Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
NATIVE RANGE:
India though to East Asia and down to Australia
DESCRIPTION:
Aquatic plant with roots that are embedded in the soil and leaves and flowers that float on the surface of the water
LOTUS & LILY
The common names of these flowers are often used interchangeably, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. Without the telltale sign of Lotus seed pods, how can you know what you are looking at?
One common way to tell if you are looking at a lotus or a water lily is to notice the position of the flowers and leaves. Water lilies, along with their leaves, float on the surface of the water, while those of lotus rise above it. (Lotus pictured above)
So what about this tricky photo below of the Red Lotus Lake in Thailand? The flowers have emerged well above the water, but the leaves are on the surface. These are actually tropical water lilies, proving just how similar these two plants can look.
ASIAN POTATO:
Lotus root is a tuber vegetable, and like potatoes they have a crunchy texture and lots of starch. Lotus root is popular in Chinese and Japanese cuisine where it can be fried, boiled, pickled, stuffed, or preserved. From the outside the roots look like elongated potatoes, but when sliced, you see an interesting pattern of holes. The plant uses these holes as channels to transport water.
