Nymphaea lotus Coptic flag. Claire Waight Keller included the flower to represent Malawi in Meghan Markle's wedding veil, which included the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country. In some parts of Africa the rhizomes and tubers are eaten for the starch they contain either boiled, roasted or ground to a flour after drying. The young fruits are sometimes consumed as a salad. The seeds are turned into a meal. The tubers or the seeds are used as a famine food in India. The ancient Egyptians cultivated the white lotus in ponds and marshes. This flower often appears in ancient Egyptian decorations. They
National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies local clubs are affiliated. It is also possible to be an individual affiliated member for anyone who is not able to join a flower club, and to enjoy the benefits of being a member of NAFAS. Members are also affiliated to WAFA – the World Association of Flower Arrangers. Each of the 21 affiliated Areas hold Council Meetings at which each flower club has representation. The Areas in turn are represented at National Council which meets four times a year. A Board of nine Trustees is elected at National Council to oversee the policy and finances of the charity. A