Lotus fibers are the isolated helical secondary cell wall thickenings from tracheary elements of lotus
(Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) petioles. In this study the anatomical characteristics of lotus petioles and
microstructures of tracheary elements were studied using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). The results show that vascular bundles of lotus petioles are scattered throughout
ground tissue. Their tracheary elements are of various sizes and there are several patterns of secondary
wall thickening present. However, only secondary thickening in a ribbon-like helical pattern can be drawn
out from the petiole to form lotus fibers for subsequent utilization. Study of the microstructure of the
tracheary elements reveals that there are two pit structures present in the end walls in addition to pits
with intact pit membranes: those with porose or web-like remnants pit membrane and those that lack
pit membranes. This is an indication of the transitional stage between tracheids and vessel elements. This
study provides supportive evidence that lotus fibers are found in both helically thickened tracheids and
helically thickened primitive vessels.