<P> The native distribution of the species is Minnesota to Oklahoma, Florida, Mexico, Honduras, and the Caribbean . </P> <P> It was apparently distributed northwards in the United States by Native Americans who carried the plant with them as a food source . </P> <P> This plant has a large tuber that is used as a food source . This may be the plant called "macoupin" in Miami - Illinois . The seed is also edible and is known as "alligator corn". </P> <P> It is widely planted in ponds for its foliage and flowers . American Lotus spreads via creeping rhizomes and seeds . This species has been crossed with N. nucifera to create many hybrids . Seeds may be propagated by scarifying the pointed tip of the seed with a file then soaking in water . Propagation is also possible by division of established plants . </P>

Genus of aquatic plants that include the american lotus