ON THE SURFACE OF LAGO Superiore (Lake Superior), one of the three lakes surrounding the city of Mantua, lies the largest expanse of lotus flowers outside of Asia. Known as Isola dei Fiori di Loto, or Lotus Island, it is a floating island split by small waterway that allows boats to cross.

The lotus, Nelumbium nucifera, rise up from the water with large leaves and stunning flowers in shades of pale pink and white. These unique plants have adapted to grow in watery environments like lakes and slow-moving rivers. They root in the soil of the lakebed, and push out leaves that float on or above the surface.