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Indian shot

How to identify Indian shot (Canna indica)

Indian shot, also known as African arrowroot, Canna lily

Indian shot proudly displays vivid, flame-red flowers atop its erect stems, which can reach up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) in height. The lush, green to violet-green leaves fan out in a paddle shape and contribute to the plant's robust size, potentially growing to 3 feet (0.9 meters) in width. Its lush foliage forms dense clumps, indicating a vigorous growth habit typical to its family. The flamboyance of its flowers and the substantial size of its leaves are distinct features that aid in its identification.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Indian shot

1

Erect stems reach 8 feet (2.4 meters) with flame-red flowers.

2

Broad, elliptical leaves fan out up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide.

3

Vibrant flowers form a terminal spike with 3-4 lobes, lasting 1-2 days.

4

Chestnut-brown fruit, 0.5-1 inch (1.27-2.54 cm), spined surface, containing black seeds.

5

Smooth-textured leaves, 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long, with prominent vein pattern.

Indian shotIndian shotIndian shotIndian shotIndian shot

Detailed Traits of Indian shot

Leaf Features

Indian shot features broad, green or violet-green leaves that are elliptical to ovate in shape. The leaf base is rounded, and the tips taper to a point. The leaves measure between 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) in length and 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) in width. The texture is smooth with a prominent vein pattern running through the center, making them particularly striking.

Leaf Shape

Elliptic ,
Ovate

Indian shot Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Indian shot Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Indian shot Leaf Apex image
Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

Indian shot produces vibrant flowers forming a single terminal spike-like inflorescence at the top of the stalk. The corolla measures 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5 cm) long, fusing into a tube at its base. Each bloom has 3-4 free lobes. These flowers last 1-2 days, with new blooms appearing continuously during the growing season from August to October. The striking flowers are a key feature for identifying indian shot, adding vivid color to the landscape.

Indian shot Flower imageIndian shot Flower image
Inflorescence Type

Raceme

Indian shot Inflorescence Type image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of indian shot is a striking chestnut-brown capsule, ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 cm) in diameter, with an ellipsoid or spherical shape. It is distinctively adorned with soft spines that add texture to its surface. Inside, the fruit houses numerous hard black seeds, each approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) across. These characteristics make the fruit notably identifiable.

Indian shot Fruit imageIndian shot Fruit image
Fruit Type

Capsule

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
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Key Facts About Indian shot

Attributes of Indian shot
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
40 cm to 3.5 m
Spread
10 cm to 90 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Purple
Bronze
Flower Size
5 cm to 15 cm
Flower Color
Red
Orange
Yellow
Pink
Gold
Fruit Color
Brown
Black
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Brown
Red
Yellow
Orange
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Indian shot

Family
Canna
Icon allow
Species
Indian shot (Canna indica)
Learn More About the Indian shot

Distribution Map of Indian shot

Indian shot is native to the Americas, from the southern United States to central Argentina. Naturally, this plant grows in swamps and wetland areas. Indian shot has also been widely cultivated throughout tropical regions as an ornamental. However, it has been listed as invasive in New Zealand.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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