Nelumbo nucifera

Abstract

This genus of the water-lily or NYMPHACACEAE family is an aquatic herb with stout, creeping rhizome. The leaves are peltate, 60--90 cm or more in diameter, orbicular and glaucous. Petioles are very long, smooth or with small prickles. The flowers are solitary, large and white or rosy; fruittorus is large, top-shaped, 5--10 cm in diameter, spongy, with 10--30 uniovulate carpels sunk separately in cavities on the upper side. The carpels mature into ovoid nutlike achenes.