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Nelumbo nucifera is native to South Asia. It is cultivated as food and ornamental plant in tropical climates. At the west side of Echo Park in Los Angeles the acre-wide lotus bed blooms every summer and this event is the centerpiece of the city-sponsored Lotus Festival, a two-day event in the month of July. Here the lotus flower opens up to reveal a yellow-colored core which turns to green when mature. It is actually a seed pod, the seeds can be prepared and cooked and added in some Asian delicacies. More lotus pics coming up.