The anatomy of lotus fibers found in petioles of Nelumbo nucifera

Lotus fibers are the isolated helical secondary cell wall thickenings from tracheary elements of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) petioles. In this study the anatomical characteristics of lotus petioles and microstructures of tracheary elements were studied using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that vascular bundles of lotus petioles are scattered throughout ground tissue. Their tracheary elements are of various sizes and there are several patterns of secondary wall thickening present. However, only secondary thickening in a ribbon-like helical pattern can be drawn out from the petiole to form lotus fibers for subsequent utilization. Study of the microstructure of the tracheary elements reveals that there are two pit structures present in the end walls in addition to pits with intact pit membranes: those with porose or web-like remnants pit membrane and those that lack pit membranes. This is an indication of the transitional stage between tracheids and vessel elements. This study provides supportive evidence that lotus fibers are found in both helically thickened tracheids and helically thickened primitive vessels.

► Lotus has strong associations with large parts of oriental culture. ► Lotus fiber fabrics have special cultural and Buddhist significance. ► Lotus fibers are ribbon-like secondary cell wall thickenings of tracheary elements. ► Though lotus is a dicotyledon, its anatomy shows typical features of monocotyledons. ► Lotus fibers are found in both helically thickened tracheids and primitive vessels.