Present Uses

The Indian lotus was introduced to the Valli del Mincio wetland near Mantua, Italy a 100 years ago. Its ability to grow quickly, forming dense canopies of leaves, gives it the status of an invasive species that dominates the local biota. This collaboration between Olivia de Gouveia and Eugenia Morpurgo reveals the plant’s natural characteristics, its cultural meanings and economical uses. Experimenting with the material properties of the plant shows potential for making silk, fibre and paper. This project raises questions as to how we might form new relations with plants that are seen as friends in some places and enemies in another.