Scientific name Euryale Ferox. Common names are prickly water lily, fox nut, gorgon nut or makhana. It is a flowering plant classified in the water lily family, although it is occasionally regarded as a distinct family, Euryalaceae. Unlike other water lilies, the pollen grains of Euryale have three nuclei. Makhana is a perennial plant native to eastern and southern Asia and is cultivated in ponds and wetlands in Harishchandrapur area of Malda district. In Bihar it is grown in nine districts viz, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Katihar, Sitamarhi, Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, Saharsa and Supaul and in some hilly areas of Manipur. Bihar produces 90% of the world production of fox nut. It grows in water, producing bright purple flowers. The leaves are large and round, often more than a meter across, with a leaf stalk attached in the centre 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 water are covered in sharp prickles. Other leaves are submerged. The plant produces starchy white seeds that are edible. 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. Makhana seeds are often roasted or fried, to crack like popcorn. These are then eaten, often with a sprinkling of oil and spices or with hot milk. It is used in cooking, especially to make a porridge or pudding called Kheer.