Lotus/Nelumbo nucifera

    Scientific name of lotus is Nelumbo nucifera, and also known as Indian lotus, sacred lotus, bean of India and Egyptian bean. The lotus flower is an aquatic perennial flower that grows on the surface of bodies of water. It is often colloquially called a water lily. Most parts of the lotus are edible and thus consumed, from the stems to the rhizomes, as well as the flower itself. Lotus is native flower for both India and Vietnam, and the flower is the national plant of both India and Vietnam. A prominent figure in ancient culture, namely Ancient Egypt, as well as two extant Asian religions – Hinduism and Buddhism. In Buddhism, a golden lotus is a symbol of complete and total. Despite being only able to reach 49 inches in height, lotus flowers can spread 10 feet horizontally. The lotus is able to maintain a stable flower temperature. Lotuses come in white, red, blue and pink colors.

Scientific Classification

     Kingdom         :           Plantae

       Clade               :           Tracheophytes

        Clade               :           Angiosperms

        Clade               :           Eudicots

       Order                  :           Proteales

        Family                :           Nelumbonaceae

       Genus               :           Nelumbo

        Species             :           N. nucifera

Binomial Name

Nelumbo nucifera

Synonyms

Nelumbium Speciosum – wild

Nymphaea nelumbo

Nelumbo komarovii