Lotus
Family Nymphaeaceae
Nelumbo nucifera (= Nelumbium nuciferum), the lotus (N. nucifera 1), is an aquatic plant that bears its leaves and flowers above the water. It is the sacred lotus of Asia and is often planted near temples. The solitary flowers have numerous pink petals and many stamens. Centrally there is a spongy receptacle containing several carpels. When ripe, this structure becomes dry and woody.
Use
The rhizomes (N. nucifera 2, N. nucifera 3), which are juicy and slightly sweet, are eaten as a vegetable, either boiled or fried. Dried and ground they provide lotus powder, which is used as a thickener. The seeds are also used, either boiled or roasted, or made into flour. The leaves are sometimes used in meat courses.