Fox nut
Euryale ferox Salisb.
Euryale ferox, commonly known as prickly waterlily, makhānā, or Gorgon plant, is a species of water lily found in southern and eastern Asia, and the only extant member of the genus Euryale.
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Fox nut leaves
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Fox nutFox nutFox nutOverview
Euryale ferox, commonly known as prickly waterlily, makhānā, or Gorgon plant, is a species of water lily found in southern and eastern Asia, and the only extant member of the genus Euryale. The edible seeds, called fox nuts or gorgon nuts, are dried and eaten predominantly in Asia.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
The plant is cultivated for its seeds in lowland ponds in India, China, and Japan. The Indian state of Bihar produces 90% of the world's fox nuts. The Chinese have cultivated the plant for centuries. In India, more than 96,000 hectares of Bihar were set aside for cultivation of Euryale in 1990–1991. In the northern and western parts of India, the seeds are often roasted or fried like popcorn.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Life cycle
From seed to productSeed & germination
Ripe **seed** is collected and sown fresh or stored dry; germination is best on a moist, well-drained seedbed.
Seedling & growth
Young plants gain height, branch and build a stable canopy in their first growing season.
Flowering
In season the plant opens **pale purple flowers above the water, July–August**, adding colour and nectar for insects.
Fruiting & harvest
Fruit ripens and seed is collected for propagation; **seeds harvested September–October**.
Uses
- 芡实磨成“芡粉”後可用於“勾芡”。
Habitat & conservation
Euryale ferox, commonly known as prickly waterlily, makhānā, or Gorgon plant, is a species of water lily found in southern and eastern Asia, and the only extant member of the genus Euryale. The plant is cultivated for its seeds in lowland ponds in India, China, and Japan.
Conservation
Fox nut has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List (NE). As a medicinal plant, it benefits from sustainable collection and propagation to protect wild genetic resources.
References
- 1Wikipedia – Euryale ferox — Wikipedia,
- 2Kew POWO – Euryale ferox — Plants of the World Online (Kew),
- 3Wikidata – Q310795 — Wikidata,