The Giant Water Lily is only found in freshwater environs across Northern Australia. Unlike the Lotus Lily (Nelumbo sp.) its leaves float on the top of the water surface.The colour of the flowers, which are held erect on stiff stems, varies from white to purple or blue. The Water Lily forms an important part of the diet of Aboriginal people who lived in these areas. The underground bulbs and roots may be eaten after roasting on hot coals and the seed pods, which are slightly larger than a golf ball may be eaten raw. These pods may . . .