High Noon Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

Scientifically referred to as Nelumbo lutea, High noon lotus belongs to the family Nelumbonaceae. It is commonly found in the North America region.


Physical Description
High noon lotus is an aquatic plant just like the other lotus species and it often grows in water bodies such as swamps and lakes. The roots of this species are firmly anchored in the muddy water. The leaves and flowers however do not remain submerged in the water but rather they come out into the surface. The leaf petioles extend up to 2 m and at the end, they form a round leaf blade which has a diameter measuring between 33 and 43 cm. When mature, the plant has the potential to attain up to a height of 1.5m or 4.9 ft.

Flowering
High noon lotus starts flowering towards the end of the spring season and will continue all through the summer period. The flowers of this species which is also referred to as the yellow or American lotus, range from white to pale yellow. The flowers are considerably larger in size measuring approximately 18-28 cm in diametrical width and has petals that total to 25 in number.

Geographical Distribution
This species of lotus can be found in the Caribbean, Mexico, United States and Honduras. In the United States in particular, a wide coverage of the high noon lotus can be seen in areas such as Virginia Beach. Here it is said to have been spread by the Native Americans who once lived here. They used the plant as a source of food.

Applications
The large tuber that comes with the high noon lotus can be used as a source of food. The seed of this plant is also edible and it’s referred to as the alligator corn.

Planting and Propagation
The American Lotus is planted in ponds for its flowers and foliage. It spreads on the ground through its creeping rhizomes and seeds. In some areas, a hybrid of the same can be spotted. The propagation of the seeds is done by first scarifying the tip of the seed using a file and thereafter soaking the seed in water.