So Cute Nelumbo nucifera Flower

Nelumbo nucifera: The Sacred Lotus of the East
Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as the Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, or simply Lotus, is one of the most iconic and symbolically rich plants in the world. Native to Asia, especially India and China, this aquatic perennial has been revered for thousands of years for its beauty, resilience, and spiritual significance. Its striking blooms, ethereal presence on water, and deep roots in cultural and religious traditions have made it a powerful emblem of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.
Botanical Profile
Scientific Name: Nelumbo nucifera
Family: Nelumbonaceae
Common Names: Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, Padma, Lianhua
Habitat: Shallow lakes, ponds, marshes, and flood plains
Native Range: Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia
Nelumbo nucifera is often confused with water lilies, but it is botanically distinct. Its leaves are peltate and typically rise above the water level, unlike water lily leaves which float. The Lotus flower also stands tall above the water on a long stalk and has a distinctive seed pod that resembles a showerhead.
Physical Description
The Sacred Lotus is a striking plant that grows from rhizomes buried in muddy, shallow waters. It typically has the following characteristics:
Leaves: Large, circular, and bluish-green, ranging from 30 to 60 cm in diameter. They may float or stand above the water surface.
Flowers: Magnificent and fragrant, usually pink or white with yellow centers. They can be up to 25 cm across and open in the morning and close by late afternoon.
Seeds: Found in a unique, cone-shaped seed pod. Lotus seeds are renowned for their longevity — some have germinated after being dormant for more than 1,000 years.