Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Zingiberales Griseb.
Family
Cannaceae Juss.
Genus
Canna L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Canna indica L., Sp. Pl. 1 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Arrowroot; Canna; Indian shot
 Description

Stems 1–2 m high, sturdy, glabrous, green. Leaves c. 45 cm long, oblong, green. Flowers in a lax raceme, often in pairs; bracts green, almost orbicular; sepals c. 1 cm long; petals 3–4 cm long, pinkish-red, lanceolate, acuminate. Erect staminodia 5–6 cm long, red, obovate-spathulate, entire; recurved staminode (labellum) narrower, entire, reddish-yellow, spotted red. Capsule ± globose, c. 2 × 1.5 cm, crowned by persistent sepals. Seeds globose, black.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Nov.–Apr.; Fruiting: Jan.–May.

 Bibliography
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Weeds Key – interactive key to the weed species of New Zealand