Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Fox nut, Prickly water-lily, Makhana

Family: Nymphaeaceae (Water-lily)

Distribution: Asia

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Comments: Occurs from India to the far East. An ancient prehistoric food source, cultivated in China for 3000 years. Starchy white seeds are collected and may be eaten raw, cooked or roasted. When fried the seeds explode to make “popcorn”. Seeds can also be ground to make porridges and puddings. The seeds are also used in ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.