Species that are considered uncertain risk need a more in-depth assessment beyond the Risk Summary to better define the species’ risk to U.S. environments.
The Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is native to much of Asia. This species has been cultivated by humans for hundreds of years both for its nutritional value and for its medicinal uses. This species has many other human uses including: crop harvest, pollutant remover in domestic wastewater, a unique thread, and an ornamental plant. N. nucifera has been introduced to Europe, North America, and Africa. No records were found of documented impacts from introductions. The history of invasiveness is classified as Data Deficient. The climate match with the contiguous United States was High. Nearly all states scored individually high climate matches. The certainty of assessment is Low due to the lack of information on impacts. The overall risk assessment category for Nelumbo nucifera is Uncertain.
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Uncertain Risk
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