| Classification |
| Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order Type: Basal Eudicots
Order: Proteales
Family: Nelumbonaceae
Family Common Name: Water Lotus Family
Genera: Nelumbo |
Defining Features: Seeds are
borne in a unique, fleshy receptacle.
Defining Morphology: Floral
Features: Flowers are actinomorphic and bisexual. Flowers are large and
showy and held above the surface of the water. Inflorescence a solitary
flower. Free carpels are immersed in a large obconical receptacle. Ovaries
are superior with apical placentation. Fruit and Seed Features: Dicotyledon.
Fruit a nutlet held loose in the cavity of the receptacle. Seed are with
little or no endosperm. Vegetative Features: Habit is an aquatic perennial
herbs. Leaves are simple, peltate and borne on the surface of the water.
Leaves are in groups of three along the stem. Leaves have dichotomous main
venation. Stipules are lacking.
Distribution: North temperate
regions.
Economic Use: As garden aquatic
ornamentals and has religious significance in southeastern Asia (lotus).
The seeds are also eaten in this region.
Number of Genera Globally: 1
Number of Species Globally: 1
