<P> Euryale is an perennial plant native to eastern Asia, and is found from India - Bihar katihar (local name Makhana) and Loktak Lake Manipur (local name Thangzing) - to Korea and Japan, as well as parts of eastern Russia . It grows in water, producing bright purple flowers . The leaves are large and round, often more than a meter (3 feet) across, with a leaf stalk attached in the center of the lower surface . The underside of the leaf is purplish, while the upper surface is green . The leaves have a quilted texture, although the stems, flowers, and leaves which float on the surface are covered in sharp prickles . Other leaves are submerged . In India, Euryale normally grows in ponds, wetlands etc . Recently the Indian Council of Agricultural Research have developed a technique for the field cultivation of Euryale . </P> <P> It is eaten in Manipur . It is cooked along with Allium tuberosum, garlic chives, Oriental garlic, Asian chives, Chinese chives, Chinese leek, bori etc . In Manipur, E. ferox is a local delicacy . </P> <P> The plant produces starchy white seeds that are edible . The plant is cultivated for its seeds in lowland ponds in India, China, and Japan . The Chinese have cultivated the plant for over 3000 years . More than 96,000 hectares of Bihar, India, were set aside for cultivation of Euryale in 1990 - 1991 . The plant grows best in locations with hot, dry summers and cold winters . Seeds are collected in the late summer and early autumn, and may be eaten raw or cooked . </P> <P> In India, in the northern (Punjab) and western parts of the country, Euryale ferox seeds are often roasted or fried, which causes them to pop like popcorn . These are then eaten, often with a sprinkling of oil and spices . In Indian plains along Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar (Mithila culture of Mithilanchal), makhana is an auspicious ingredient in offerings to the deities during Yajna, Pujana, and festivals . In day - to - day life it is used in cooking, specially to make a porridge / pudding called Kheer of makhana or' makhaanak kheer' or' makhaanak payasam' and Makhane Ka Rayta (Makhana Yougurt Blend). Makhhaan along with Paan (betel leaf) and Maachch (fish) is symbolic to Maithil culture . </P>

Makhana come from which part of a plant