Although originating from South-East Asia, the lotus lily now occurs naturally in the wetland areas of tropical Australia. It can be found in permanent lagoons and billabongs. It is often mistakenly identified as a Waterlily (Nymphaea spp.), but there are two major differences. The enormous green leaves do not float on the water surface but stand erect on a strong stem some distance above the water. When water is splashed onto these leaves, it runs around the leaf like mercury bubbles. Secondly, the yellow coloured lotus seed pod (see above left) is like a large cone with . . .