Rhizomes forming swollen storage tubers late in growing season. Leaf blade peltate, orbiculate, margins entire. Flowers exceeding leaves, to 2.5 dm or more diam.; tepals caducous or outermost persistent, 14-30, white to pink-purple or yellow; stamens 100-200. Fruits somewhat globose or ovoid; receptacle gradually or abruptly narrowed from top to base, base tapered to rounded, lateral surface striate or rugose. x = 8.

Distribution

North America, West Indies, Central America, Asia, Australia.

Discussion

Species 2 (2 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Nelumbo lutea, Nelumbo nucifera

Key

1	Tepals pale yellow, outermost normally persistent; mature fruits mostly less than 1.25 times longer than wide.	Nelumbo lutea
1	Tepals pink or white, all normally caducous; mature fruits mostly more than 1.5 times longer than wide.	Nelumbo nucifera