The plant has its roots firmly in the mud and sends out long stems to which their leaves are attached. The leaves are sometimes, and flowers always, raised above the water surface. The beautiful and fragrant flower opens in the morning and petals fall in the afternoon. The fruits are a conical pod with seeds contained in holes in t
The plant has its roots firmly in the mud and sends out long stems to which their leaves are attached. The leaves are sometimes, and flowers always, raised above the water surface. The beautiful and fragrant flower opens in the morning and petals fall in the afternoon. The fruits are a conical pod with seeds contained in holes in the pod. Nucifera means "having hard fruit". When the seeds are ripe, they become loose in the pod. The pod then tips down towards the water, releasing the seeds.Uses as food: The seeds are eaten unripe and raw, or ripe and cooked. They are a popular ingredient in local desserts like "cheng teng". The rhizomes are also eaten. These are long sausage shaped with hollow portions and are connected like sausages on a string. They are boiled in soup candied as a dessert or pickled. The petioles and young roots are also eaten. The large circular leaves may be used to wrap food such as in lotus rice. The plant has been cultivated in China since the 12th century BC.
