THE WATERNUT FLOWER / SACRED LOTUS
The sacred lotus (nelumbo nucifera) is an ancient plant. Fossil evidence of it growing 160
million years ago shows that it has changed little over eons of time. Yet, like the water
lily to which it is related, its blossoms are sophisticated for a plant that evolved so long
ago.
It lives in still water, some of the circular leaves float on the water, but as the plant
matures, the leaves become more like an inverted cone and are held above the surface.
When young, these are rolled tightly to emerge between the floating leaves. In the centre
of each exquisite flower is a strange receptacle whose circular holes are the stigmas.
In the East almost all parts of the sacred lotus are eaten, and this may have a bearing on
its religious significance. The leaf stalks provide a salad, the rootstock is roasted and the
pear-shaped seeds taste of almonds.
It is the sacred plant of many lands - from Guyana to Japan, where it is grown for
religious purposes. In India it is Padma, symbol of the Ganges. From there it travelled
eastwards with the spread of Buddhism, across southern Asia to China, where it was
depicted as the seat of the Buddha and hence became a symbol of feminine beauty.
Indentured labourers took the plant with them to South Africa and the West Indies.
In some parts of Asia the roots, or more accurately the rhizomes, are sliced and preserved
in vinegar. A starch can be precipitated from the rhizome ground up with water. The
seeds can also be preserved in syrup. Recent research have shown that the seeds are a
very rich source of antioxidants, elevating this sacred plant to health food status.
Research in Australia has shown that the plant has the ability to turn on the heat when it
is flowering. It heats its blossoms to above 30o C for as long as four days, even when
atmospheric temperature is as low as 10o C. The heat releases an aroma that attracts
beetles and other insects, which fly into the flower to feed on nectar and pollen. The heat
also rewards insects with a stable environment that enhances their ability to eat, mate and
prepare for flight.
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The fruit of the lotus is a curious obconical receptacle in the top of which are embedded
the many seeds. At maturity the receptacle is very light and dry, so that when broken off
from its stalk it floats on the water, carrying the seeds about until it breaks apart.
The sap of the plant is quite unique; it is this property which makes the still waters in
which the lotus grows, so drinkable. The sap contains a natural flocculant, as the stalks
are blown about in the wind, they graze their neighbours and some of the sap drips into
the water. This sap flocculates the water, clarifying it to drinkable standard. Kids playing
in the sugar cane fields of rural Guyana, as the author did, know this fact very well as
they slake their thirst in the tropical heat.
Image showing the fruit of the lotus, Palmyra Village, Guyana
The edible nut of the sacred lotus, Palmyra Village, Guyana
Ramoutar Seecharran