The water chestnuts of Lake Comabbio
These fruits, characteristic of the lakeside habitat, have a historical importance, and were important in the local population's culture.
The aquatic vegetation typical of this lake includes the water chestnut (Trapa natans), in dialect also known as "lagànn" (lake fruit).
These plants are found below the surface of the water, usually at a depth of 1-2 metres. Their fruits are edible, and their taste is similar to the sweet chestnuts normally eaten in autumn. Water chestnuts develop inside a rosette of submerged leaves, and they grow below water, differing in size and shape and reaching complete maturity in October, when they break off the plant, sink to the bottom and form new plants.
Over the course of centuries past, water chestnuts were used as amulets. They were dried and assembled to make necklaces or Rosary beads.
The aquatic vegetation typical of this lake includes the water chestnut (Trapa natans), in dialect also known as "lagànn" (lake fruit).
These plants are found below the surface of the water, usually at a depth of 1-2 metres. Their fruits are edible, and their taste is similar to the sweet chestnuts normally eaten in autumn. Water chestnuts develop inside a rosette of submerged leaves, and they grow below water, differing in size and shape and reaching complete maturity in October, when they break off the plant, sink to the bottom and form new plants.
Over the course of centuries past, water chestnuts were used as amulets. They were dried and assembled to make necklaces or Rosary beads.
