Sacred Lotus

~ Nelumbo nucifera ~

NELUMBONACEAE

One of our beloved aquatic wildflowers, living in warm tropical waterways, this beauty is known for its edibility, its medicinal properties and the very long life of its seeds. The whole plant can be consumed, from tuber to stem, flower and seeds, and its spongy fruit can be found in dried form in supermarkets. Its seeds are known to be viable for hundreds of years and, in one case, successful germination was possible with a 1300-year-old seed! Two zoologists from the University of Adelaide discovered these flowers thermoregulate and can maintain their core temperature like we do. This may be a strategic move to attract cold-blooded pollinators who cuddle up to their warmth.

WHERE TO LOOK

The Sacred Lotus can be found in slow-moving waterways in sub-tropical and tropical zones, mainly throughout the northern parts of the Northern Territory and Queensland. It can be found floating alongside Lilies against a backdrop of Paperbark Trees, in the company of the Comb-crested Jacana (aka the Lotus Bird or Jesus Bird) who lays its eggs on the large leaves of lotus and lily pads. It’s also known to be in cultivation throughout botanical gardens along the east coast.

Locations → NT: Kakadu and West Arnhem. See them cultivated in Queensland at the Rockhampton Zoo and Big Mitchell Creek Reserve; and in Victoria at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

FEATURES

These gorgeous pink flowers are around 10–23cm wide and sit on top of the water, while the edible tubers sit firmly rooted in the mud. The Sacred Lotus’s big round leaves lie flat on the surface of the water, attached by thick stalks that grow up to 2m tall. The fact that the leaves don’t just float but are held up by stalks is what can distinguish the Lotus from the Lily. The fruit is a flat-topped cone centred within the flower, harbouring many seeds. Once the flower dies down, the seeds are dispersed and sink to the bottom where they lie dormant in the mud until germination.

FLOWERING SEASON

Autumn to spring → This perennial plant flowers through the dry season, March to November, and fruits between January and July.

TRADITIONAL USES

According to Parks Australia, the Lotus is an important food source for Bininj/Mungguy People. All parts of the plant are known to be consumed. Its spongy fruit produces edible seeds, which can be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds can also be ground into flour.

PLANTING

This plant is great for water gardens; it can limit the growth of algae and can be easily cultivated by seed or by tuber.