The “Nelumbo Nucifera”(botanical name) is better known as the Indian Lotus, Lotus, Chinese water lily or the Egyptian bean. It belongs to the family “Nelumbonaceae”. The Lotus is the National flower of India and is widely found in India. The Lotus plant is native to many parts of Australia, The Middle East and Asia.
It is a water or aquatic plant found mainly in marshy land and shallow ponds. The Lotus plant is used for decorative purposes and also parts of the plant is consumed as a delicacy in many parts of the world. The lotus flower holds pride of place in the Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
The roots of the lotus plant are well fixed in the mud or soil of the pond or any other small water body and the large broad green leaves (which goes up to 90 cm in diameter) of the plant are seen to float at the water surface. The thick stems or stalk holds the leaves and the beautiful lotus flower above the surface of the water. The Lotus plant is seen to grow to a height of about 6mts. The flower of the Lotus plant is seen to be white , off white or pink in colour.
The lotus roots and stem are a rich source of several vitamins and minerals. Parts of the lotus plant are used for the preparation of herbal tea. The leaves, the stalk, roots, stem and the seeds of the lotus plant are edible and are eaten in many countries.