Nymphaea lotus – Famine Foods

Nymphaea lotus

Uses

Uganda (West Nile and Madi Districts): rhizomes dug out of the mud, cooked and eaten during times of shortage. India (Uttar Pradesh, Balrampur region): root boiled and/or roasted then eaten after removing the outside material. The flower stalks were also eaten, after boiling. Ethnomedical use: the flower stalk is reported to be effective in mitigating the toxic effects of opium overdose. The flower is used to treat fever. It is dried then boiled and strained; mixed with sugar and re-boiled.

Additional Information

Name Authority:
L.
Vernaculars:
Balrampur (root): Sirki; (flower): Nilofar; (flower stalk): Sag karmua

 Plant Classification Group:
 Plant References:

Location Map

This site is provided to Mr. Freedman by Dr. Jules Janick, Emeritus Professor and Former James Troop Distinguished Professor of Horticulture. The content on this site is provided and maintained by Mr. Freedman.