Nelumbo

Nelumno nucifera open flower - botanic garden adelaide2

Nelumbo nucifera (Indian Lotus)- water drops W IMG 8657

Nelumbo nucifera LOTUS bud

Lotus Nelumbo 'Mrs. Perry D. Slocum' Dried Seed Head 2000px

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Nelumbo is a genus of aquatic plants with large, showy flowers, commonly known as lotuses. The genus belongs to the family Nelumbonaceae. While there are only two known species within this genus, Nelumbo nucifera (the Asian lotus) and Nelumbo lutea (the American lotus), they have significant cultural, religious, and economic importance in various societies around the world. The lotus is notable not only for its beauty but also for its ability to regulate the temperature of its flowers, similar to the way mammals regulate their body temperature.

Description

Nelumbo plants are perennial, aquatic herbs that can grow in water up to 2.5 meters deep. They have a distinctive root system that anchors them into the aquatic soil, with long stems reaching towards the water surface. The leaves of Nelumbo are peltate, meaning they are circular with the petiole attached to the center, and can be quite large, providing a unique and easily recognizable silhouette. The flowers, which sit on tall stalks above the water, are large and can be found in a variety of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and sometimes red, depending on the species and cultivar.

The fruit of the Nelumbo is a conical receptacle, often mistaken for a seed pod, with the true seeds embedded in it. These seeds are known for their longevity, with some viable seeds being over a thousand years old.

Ecology

Nelumbo species are found in still or slow-moving freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and edges of streams. They prefer warm, sunny locations and are distributed in temperate to tropical climates across Asia, North America, and Australia. The lotus is highly adapted to the aquatic lifestyle, with leaves and flowers that are hydrophobic, repelling water and helping to keep the plant parts clean and free from algae and other potential pathogens.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The lotus flower holds profound significance in several cultures and religions, most notably in Hinduism and Buddhism. In these traditions, the lotus symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, as it rises from the murky waters to bloom unscathed and beautiful. The Buddhist representation of the lotus in various colors signifies different meanings, such as the white lotus for purity and the pink lotus representing the historical Buddha.

In Hinduism, the lotus is associated with deities like Vishnu and Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity, beauty, and fertility. The flower's pattern of growth is seen as a metaphor for the soul's expansion from the muddy waters of materialism to the bright sunshine of enlightenment.

Economic Uses

Beyond its cultural and religious importance, Nelumbo species are cultivated for their edible seeds, roots, and leaves. The seeds, known as lotus seeds, are used in Asian cuisines and traditional medicines. The rhizomes are a common ingredient in dishes from China, Japan, and India, among others. The leaves are used as a wrap for food, imparting a distinctive flavor.

Conservation

While Nelumbo species are widely cultivated, their natural habitats are threatened by water pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Conservation efforts are necessary to preserve these ecologically and culturally significant plants for future generations.