Nelumbo nucifera Sacred water lotus (Nelumbonaceae)

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Nelumbo nucifera
Sacred water lotus
(1 Page of 5)

The Nelumbo nucifera plant species is found in E. Asia. It is a member of the Nelumbonaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Sacred water lotus. Some home gardeners know the variety as Nelumbium speciosum

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Nelumbo nucifera
Common Name:  Sacred water lotus
Family:  Nelumbonaceae
Author:  Gaertn.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Found in large lakes to 1400 metres in the Himalayas[51].

Edible Uses: Root - cooked[1, 46, 61]. It is also a source of starch or arrowroot[2, 61]. Much used and relished in Chinese cooking, it has a mild flavour[178] and a crisp texture[206]. The root contains about 1.7% protein, 0.1% fat, 9.7% carbohydrate, 1.1% ash[179]. Leaves - cooked or raw[46, 61, 117, 183]. Stems - cooked. A taste somewhat like beet[2, 105]. They are usually peeled before use[193]. Seed - raw or cooked[1, 46, 51, 183]. A delicate flavour[2]. The seed can be popped like popcorn, ground into a powder and used in making bread or eaten dry[183]. The bitter tasting embryo is often removed[116, 117]. The seed contains about 15.9% protein, 2.8% fat, 70% carbohydrate, 3.9% ash[179]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[183]. Petals can be floated in soups or used as a garnish[183]. The stamens are used to flavour tea[183].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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