
          Nelumbium Luteum Sacred Bean
 Water Chinquepia


 Leaf varies in size, measuring from two and 
 a half to seven feet in circumference; of a 
 fine green; [?] peltate, resting upon a 
 ligneous stem, from two thirds to an inch in 
 diameter when fully grown. Leaves rise singly five
 or six from each root ascending through and above
 the water, largely floating, usually two or three
 feet above the surface. When plucked and
 exposed but short time to the sun and air they
 shrink rapidly, and assume a  yellowish dull 
 color. In texture they resemble those of the Arum
 loculutum.


 Flowers of a pale straw color, of a short agreeable
 fragrance, resembling those of the Nymphaeaceae or
 Water Lilies of New England, but much larger:
 I have measured many ten inches in diameter; and
 commonly seven and eight inches. Buds from 
 four to five inches large before unfolding [crossed out: at all]
 Seed vessel three and four inches in diameter;
 and contains an acorn-shaped fruit; from ten to
 thirty in each pericarp. In [?] the fruit
 resembles the chestnut, especially when toasted, and like
 the large roots or tubers, abound in Florida.

        