Luscious Lotus
As blooming plants go, this one has a versatility and history that can’t be beat! Don’t confuse this aquatic perennial with the water-lily. The lotus flower is only found in hues of pink or white, and contains the structure that forms a distinctive circular seed pod. Though rooted firmly in fresh water ponds or streams, the huge bowl-shaped leaves float on and above the surface while the flowers rise even higher on thick stems above the water.
Here in the U.S., the distinctive dried seed heads, which resemble the spouts of watering cans, are used for decorative purposes and dried flower arrangements. While still green, however, the seeds are edible and are considered a seasonal treat by the Cajuns known as “graine a voler”. They are eaten raw, fried, roasted, boiled, or cooked down in soups or stews. In Asia the edible flowers, leaves, stems, seeds, and rhizomes are all used in various ways from garnish to herbal teas and medicines. In China, the dried seeds are even heated to pop like popcorn!
From ancient times, the lotus has been used as a symbol for various virtues and deities in Asian traditions. In the classical written and oral literature of many Asian cultures, the lotus flower represents elegance, beauty, perfection and grace. The lotus flower also appeared in legends originating in ancient Egypt, and played an important part in both religion and art.
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Tags: asia, china, digital, edible plants, egypt, graine a voler, image, lotus, lotus flower, natural, nature, nature photography, outdoors, perennial, photo, photography, seed pod
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