Canna indica L.
Canna LiLy / Bunga tasbih (M.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Perennial erect plant that can grow up to 3 m tall. Leaves are simple, arranged spirally, sheathing, glossy with prominent midrib. Leaf blade is ovate-oblong to oblong, acute at apex, cuneate or gradually attenuate to the sheath at base with entire or wavy margin and parallel venation. Stems are fleshy, arising from the large, thick rhizome and forming clumps. Inflorescence a terminal raceme (cincinnus). Flowers are yellow to pale red. Fruit a broadly ovoid capsule that is covered with soft spines. Seeds are numerous, globose, smooth and black or dark brown. Rhizomes are branching, covered with scale leaves and thick
The herb is used as treatment for fever, aphthous ulcers, kidney stones, kidney detox and cancers such as breast and colon. It is also used for pain reduction for chemo therapy patients. In Thailand, the leaves are used as treatment for leukemia and various types of cancer such as liver, stomach, intestines, uterus and breast. The plant is known for its antimutagenic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory,
It thrives on paddy fields, along the side of drains, in coastal forests, along roadsides and in disturbed areas. It prefers moist, clay soil under full sunlight.
Seeds and root division.
Native to South America but is now cultivated pantropically and in other warmer regions of the world.
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