Photo: National Park Service, Fossil Butte National Monument
- Order
- Proteales
- Family
- Nelumbonaceae
- Size
- Lily pads about 4–20 inches
Aquatic lotus fossils — lily pads, root systems, and characteristic seed pods.
The modern Nelumbo genus contains two living species found in Asia, North America, and the Caribbean. They are aquatic plants restricted to freshwater and are characterized by large flowers and leaves.
Fossil Lake may have been home to multiple species of the Nelumbo genus. FBM specimens include lily pads ranging from 4 to 20 inches, root systems, and characteristic seed pods.
Species text: National Park Service, Fossil Butte National Monument — Fossil Plant Species.