Lotus edulis
Lotus edulisfam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 3442 — Lotus edulis
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IOverview
Overview
Lotus edulis, commonly known as the Egyptian lotus, is an annual plant native to regions including Albania, Algeria, and Egypt. It thrives in a variety of environments with full sun exposure, tolerating both dry and moist conditions. Preferring light or medium soil, this plant reaches a height of about 10 cm. Its edible parts include the seedpods, making it a valuable source for those interested in foraging or gardening. Found across North Africa and the Mediterranean, Lotus edulis is notable for its distinctive, often fragrant flowers that can add an ornamental touch to gardens while also providing sustenance through its seeds.
Quick answers
What is Lotus edulis?
Lotus edulis, commonly known as the Egyptian lotus, is an annual plant native to regions including Albania, Algeria, and Egypt. It thrives in a variety of environments with full sun exposure, tolerating both dry and moist conditions. Preferring light or medium soil, this plant reaches a height of about 10 cm.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lotus edulis thrives in full sun and prefers light to medium soil that is either dry or moist. It grows up to 0.1 meters tall and is an annual plant. The seedpods are edible. Hardy in temperate regions, it can be propagated through seeds. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Lotus edulis for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and light conditions for your first Skip plant.
- 1
What you'll need
A small pot, seeds or seedpods, a sunny spot in the garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; containers should have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep, or start indoors then transplant.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly; avoid overwatering. Provide full sun exposure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seedpod
Edible uses: The seedpods of Lotus edulis are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often prepared by boiling to tenderize the pods before consumption. Skip drying or making tea from them.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
23 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
23 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 23 native
Europe7 regions
native (7)AlbaniaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
Asia2 regions
native (2)PalestineTurkey
Africa5 regions
native (5)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 34423c60-0204-45cc-8092-15f67af83865
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