Just how long individual rhizomes are able to survive is evidently unknown, but their renewal of lotus stands year after year goes on and on.
The rapid response to insults, and an ability to repair cellular damage, may contribute to the hardiness of lotus seedlings and plants.
This unique treasure trove of old lotus fruits could be used to uncover information about the effects of low-dose long-term -radiation on biological systems.
Apparently, this was done after they had been placed in the lotus position.
The large cotyledons of lotus fruits comprise about two-thirds of their total dry weight.
Man might lie in the sunshine, and eat lotuses, and fancy it "always afternoon," if his wife would let him!
Propagation by rhizomes is the fastest and easiest means of reproduction in lotus cultivation.
Why do lotus fruits exhibit such remarkable longevity?