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Nelumbonaceae
Sacred Lotus
Nelumbo nucifera
Purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.
- Family
- Nelumbonaceae
- Genus
- Nelumbo
- Native to
- India, Southeast Asia, Australia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- aquatic perennial
- Height
- 3-6 ft above water
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- rich aquatic mud
- Water
- aquatic
- Hardiness
- 4-10
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Lotus seeds found in a dry lakebed in China were successfully germinated after approximately 1,300 years of dormancy.
- The 'lotus effect' refers to its superhydrophobic leaves that repel water and self-clean, inspiring nanotechnology coatings.
- The lotus can thermoregulate its flowers, maintaining temperatures between 86-95 degrees F to attract beetle pollinators.
- In Buddhism, the lotus growing from muddy water to bloom unstained symbolizes spiritual enlightenment rising above suffering.
- Every part of the plant is edible: the roots, seeds, young leaves, and stamens are used in Asian cuisines.
Color meanings
0
purity
1
enlightenment
2
spiritual awakening
3
rebirth