Q.31 Which one of the following plant yields foxnut?
Foxnut-Yielding Plant: Euryale ferox MCQ Solution
Euryale ferox is the plant that yields foxnut, also known as makhana. This aquatic species from the Nymphaeaceae family produces edible seeds roasted into the popular snack.
Option Analysis
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(1) Euryale ferox: Correct. This prickly water lily grows in stagnant waters of India, especially Bihar, with large floating leaves and purple flowers; its pea-sized seeds (8-15 per fruit) are harvested, dried, and popped as foxnut, a nutrient-rich superfood high in protein and starch.
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(2) Nelumbo nucifera (corrected from nouchali, a synonym/variant): Incorrect. Known as lotus or Indian lotus, it yields lotus seeds (makhana in some contexts but distinct), used in cuisine and medicine, but not true foxnut.
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(3) Nelumbo alba: Incorrect. This is white lotus or European lotus, a Nelumbo species with edible seeds and rhizomes, but it does not produce foxnut, which is specific to Euryale ferox.
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(4) Victoria regia: Incorrect. Also called giant Amazon lily, this South American water lily has massive leaves but no edible seeds marketed as foxnut; it’s ornamental, not a seed crop.
The question “which plant yields foxnut” often appears in botany and plant science exams like GATE Life Sciences. Euryale ferox, commonly called foxnut plant or prickly water lily, is the correct answer as it produces the seeds popped into makhana.
Foxnut Plant Identification
Euryale ferox belongs to Nymphaeaceae, thriving in shallow ponds across Asia, especially Bihar (90% global production). It features spiny stems, round green-purple leaves up to 1m wide, and violet-white flowers; fruits yield 8-15 seeds per pod, roasted for the crunchy foxnut snack.
Why Not Other Options?
Nelumbo nucifer (lotus) and Nelumbo alba produce similar edible seeds but differ in morphology—free-floating leaves without spines—and are not foxnut sources. Victoria regia, with its giant Amazonian pads, is unrelated and inedible in this context.
| Plant | Family | Key Feature | Yields Foxnut? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Euryale ferox | Nymphaeaceae | Spiny aquatic, popped seeds | Yes |
| Nelumbo nucifer | Nelumbonaceae | Sacred lotus, rhizomes | No |
| Nelumbo alba | Nelumbonaceae | White lotus seeds | No |
| Victoria regia | Nymphaeaceae | Giant leaves, ornamental | No |
Foxnut Nutritional Value
Foxnut from Euryale ferox is a superfood: 9.7% protein, rich in carbs, fiber, calcium, iron, and antioxidants; aids digestion, boosts energy, and supports kidney health in traditional use. Bihar’s cultivation enhances farmer income via this underutilized crop.
