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Lotus Facts

Lotus Facts
Lotus is a type of floating aquatic plant of the genus Nelumbo. It is also known as Indian lotus because it represents a national flower of India. Lotus originates from southern parts of Asia and Australia, but it can be found in aquatic cultures throughout the world today. Lotus lives in shallow and murky ponds and lakes that are exposed to direct sunlight. It cannot survive in colder climates. Lotus is a symbol of beauty, grace, purity and serenity. Since this plant is numerous both in the wild and in the culture, it is not on the list of endangered plants.
Interesting Lotus Facts:
Lotus can reach only 49 inches in height but it spreads 10 feet horizontally (width).
Flower can reach 8 inches in diameter. Lotus is either pink or white in color. Petals are shaped like a dagger. They are arranged in several layers. Lotus flower protrudes several inches above the water. This flower is known by its beautiful odor.
Flower opens in the morning and closes at night. Lotus was a symbol of sun, rebirth and creation in the ancient Egypt because of this unusual behavior which marks the beginning and the end of the day.
Lotus uses rhizomes to attach itself to the ground. Rhizome is buried in the mud or in the sandy floor.
Leaves of lotus are shaped like paddles. They can reach 20 inches in length.
Some of the leaves are submerged, while others float on the surface of water. Leaves are equipped with air pockets (inside the tissues) which maintain buoyancy.
Lotus produces seed in the circular pod located in the center of the flower.
Seed can remain viable (able to germinate) long period of time. One type of lotus seed managed to develop into plant after 1300 years of dormancy.
Dried pod of lotus flower is very decorative and often used in floral arrangements. Petals are also used in ornamental purposes.
Flower, young leaves, seeds and root are edible and often used in Asian cuisine. Older and bigger leaves are used for wrapping of food. Lotus is rich in fibers and vitamins of the B group. It is also rich source of iron and other important minerals.
Dried stamens of the lotus are used for the preparation of aromatic tea.
Unlike other flowering plants, lotus is able to maintain stable temperature of the flower. Scientists believe that warmth of the flowers attracts cold blooded insects.
Lotus and water lily look similar but they belong to different genera. They differ in the color of the flower and type of the seed pod.
Lotus is worshiped and considered as sacred flower in Buddhism. Depending on the number of petals, it symbolizes either cosmic harmony (eight petals) or spiritual illumination (thousand petals). Buddhists turn lotus into powder and use it in different ceremonies.
Lotus can survive thousands of year and even to revive after long period of dormancy.


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