Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
|---|---|
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a perennial, rhizomatous herbaceous plant, up to 2 (-3.6m) tall |
|---|---|
| Fruit | The fruit is a papery capsule (a type of dry, dehiscent fruit) with short, black bristles, splitting on maturity, containing 1 - 10 black seeds. |
| Cultivation | It thrives in full sun but is also tolerant of shady conditions. It prefers deep, sandy loam soil with organic matters but can be grown on various soil types. It is sensitive to drought but can tolerate excessive moisture (but not waterlogging). It can be propagated by division and seeds. |
| Etymology | The genus Canna is derived from Greek name for a certain type of reed. The specific epithet indica means 'from/of India' although it most likely refers to the plant's introduction to Europe from the West Indies. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | It thrives in full sun but is also tolerant of shady conditions. It prefers deep, sandy loam soil with organic matters but can be grown on various soil types. It is sensitive to drought but can tolerate excessive moisture (but not waterlogging). |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Lots of Water, Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Waterlogged Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Division |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Red |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
|---|
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Black, Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Bristly |
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Black |
| Mature Seed Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30885 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5261 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
