nonbusbus thinks so, commenting on my article on growing arrowroot:

“A better arrowroot (in my opinion, but feel free to completely disagree, lols) to grow is Queensland Arrowroot, Cannus Edulis. It’s an EXCELLENT addition to fetid swamp water, lols- I know you like Leucaena, but it’s a terribly invasive species where I live, and our native landscapes suffer enough with weeds. Comfrey just DOES NOT grow where I live- far too hot and humid, it’s a pathetic grower, and I really can only grow it as an anual over autumn/winter. Qld Arrowroot, though, grows year round, the yound tubers are YUM, I can get starch for my cooking from older tubers (less reliance on stores for thickening agents), it produces hard enough to do a regular chop and drop for mulch or compost dump, can be divided regularly, leaves are nutritious for animal feed, and it acts like comfrey when added to compost and weed teas- really kicks things off nicely with good potassium levels as well. Creates amazing shade, as well. Definitely, if you’re thinking of adding arrowroot in your garden, grow Cannus Edulis!!”

I have used the ornamental cannas in my food forest as both a chop and drop and an edible root, though I have not grown a variety specifically bred to make good roots.

A month or so ago I planted a half-wild canna variety in my vegetable gardens to act as a chop and drop. I dug it from a friend’s yard after asking if I could have some.

“It’s a weed!” he said. “You want to take my weeds?”

Sure, if it’s good for compost creation! Love those chop-and-drop plants. I also believe in growing whatever works best in your climate and whatever you like to eat. There are often many solutions to the same problem, depending on climate and palate.

Thanks for the comment, nonbusbus. I think I need to plant more cannas.