Nelum (Indian lotus)

Scientific name:	Nelumbo nucifera*
Family name:	NELUMBONACEAE
English name:	Indian lotus
Local name:	Nelum
Description:	Aquatic herbs; rhizome creeping, to about 5 cm broad, white, brown spotted, internodes to 50 cm or more. Lower scale leaves 5-6.5 cm long, upper 12-15 cm long; lamina 30-60 cm across; submerged petiole weak, aerial petiole rigid, 10-12 mm broad, scabrous with distant prickles. Bud to about 9 cm long; outer tepals green, or greenish purple; inner tepals pink, purplish-pink, pinkish white or white. Ripe receptacles to about 10 cm across at top, spongy, black. Nuts about 18 mm long. Seeds brown.
Status:	Native
Edible parts:	Tuberous stem (Rhizome)
Ayurvedic usage: Treatment for- Bleeding piles Snake bites Diarrhoea Cholera Fevers Liver disorders Coughs Dysentery Skin diseases Leprosy PARTS   USED  IN  TREATMENT: Stamens of the flower Leaves Flower seeds Rootstock RELATED   MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Improves the complexion of the skin source by  instituteofayurveda.org