Are all species of CANNA edible?

I was looking through a plant catalog, and noticed that only one type of CANNA is edible. Why aren't other species edible also?

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Best Answer

Being Zingerberales it may be hard to track that information down, as it could be either production of toxic or unpleasant tasting compounds or lack of useful features.

However, what I did find is that this species (Canna indica, also known as C. edulis) has large rhizomes, which are the main agricultural component, though you can also eat the flowers and seeds. C. indica has been extensively cultivated and most likely selected for rhizome size during its agricultural history. It would seem that the other species have much smaller rhizomes, so might not yield much that is worth eating, and so C. indica is the only species that is commonly eaten.

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Quick Answer about "Are all species of CANNA edible?"

Of all the canna species, only Canna edulis has a history of use as an edible food. The species is also called Canna indica.

Which canna lilies are edible?

In the Edible Forest, we grow 2 varieties, especially for their large bulbs; The Canna Lily Achira (canna edulis red) and the Queensland Arrowroot (canna edulis)....Canna Lilies are Edible!

Rich in calcium, iron + phosphorus.
High in vitamins B1, B2 + C.
Beneficial for weight loss.
Great for the skin.
Promotes heart health.

Are cannas toxic?

Many lilies are toxic to both dogs and cats but Canna Lilies are the exception. Bulbs are subject to change due to availability....Collection of 6 plants.SKUHC017257Common NamePet Safe Canna CollectionItem Package SizeCollection of 6Special GroupsHigh Country Gardens Exclusive15 more rows

Are canna lilies poisonous?

Is Canna 'Alberich' poisonous? Canna 'Alberich' has no toxic effects reported.

What is the difference between a canna and a canna lily?

Depending on the species, calla lilies have white, red, yellow or pinkish-purple blooms, while cannas come in red, pink, yellow, orange, white and red with yellow stripes. Canna flowers form on spikes at the top of the plant.

Eating Canna Lily Rhizome

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Images: Erik Karits, Egor Kamelev, Pixabay, Thameur Dahmani