USA. †Nelumbo changchangensis Eocene, (Hainan Island, China), described from several fossils of leaves, seedpods, and rhizomes from the Eocene-aged strata in the Changchang Basin, of Hainan Island. †Nelumbo minima Pliocene (Netherlands), described from leaves and seedpods that suggest a very small plant. Originally described as a member of the genus Nelumbites, as "Nelumbites minimus." †Nelumbo nipponica Eocene-Miocene, fossil leaves are known from Eocene-aged strata in Japan, and Miocene-aged strata in Russia. †Nelumbo orientalis Cretaceous (Japan), one of the oldest known species, fossils are found in Cretaceous-aged strata of Japan. †Nelumbo protolutea Eocene (Mississippi), fossils of leaves strongly suggest a plant similar in form to the American lotus. Etymology The genus name is derived from neḷum, the name for Nelumbo nucifera. Uses The entire plant can be eaten either raw or cooked. The underwater portion is high in starch. The fleshy parts can be dug from the mud and baked or boiled. The young leaves can be boiled. The seeds are palatable and can be eaten raw or dried and ground into flour. The stem fibers are also used to make lotus silk. Culture The sacred lotus, N. nucifera, is sacred in both Hinduism and Buddhism. It is the floral emblem of both India and Vietnam. References External links links at CSDL Eudicot genera