Ottelia acuminata, a rare edible plant found only in China, is seen in full bloom on waters such as Lugu Lake and Dianchi Lake in Southwest China's Yunnan Province.

The bumper harvest is a good news for farmers. It also symbolizes the great improvement of the ecological environment of the lakes, which had been attacked by blue-green algae blooms over recent years.

The plant, dubbed as a bellwether of water quality, is very sensitive to water quality and will die easily if the water is polluted.

Its flowers are as clear as crystalized ice. Its stem grows under the water and its flower blooms on the water. The glistening petals float on the water like a fairy wearing a white tulle skirt.

The plant can be picked throughout the year and is profitable due to its high nutritional value. Many villagers in Yunnan grow it for earnings.

(Photos: people.com.cn)

The total planting area in Eryuan county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, is more than 3,000 mu (200 hectares). The annual production per mu is 1,750 kilograms, and the revenue of each mu can reach roughly 7,000 yuan ($990), playing a role in local poverty reduction.

(Complied by Li Yingtao)