Nelumbo nucifera, also known as Padma or Kamala, sacred lotus, Indian lotus, or simply lotus, is one of two extant species of aquatic plant in the family Nelumbonaceae. It is sometimes colloquially called a water lily, though this more often refers to members of the family Nymphaeaceae.
The distinctive feature of a lotus flower is the ice-cream-cone shaped central female reproductive structure. The yellow prominent receptacle has the carpels, or ovaries, that develop into seeds embedded separately in round holes throughout the receptacle. The stigmas, which are the pollen-accepting organs, stick through these holes when the flower is fresh. The male reproductive organs, the stamens, ring the receptacle in several rows, looking like fringe around the receptacle. At the end of each stamen is an anther that produces pollen.
Flowers are open for three days, closing each night and trapping the pollinators inside. The flowers release heat during the night to aid pollination. After pollination, petals fall, and seeds develop. The round seeds have an extremely hard seed coat, which protects the plant embryo inside to such an extent that seeds 1,300 years old have germinated.
Lotus plants are adapted to grow in the flood plains of slow-moving rivers and delta areas. Stands of lotus drop hundreds of thousands of seeds every year to the bottom of the pond. While some sprout immediately and most are eaten by wildlife, the remaining seeds can remain dormant for an extensive period of time as the pond silts in and dries out. During flood conditions, sediments containing these seeds are broken open, and the dormant seeds rehydrate and begin a new lotus colony.
Types of Lotus Flowers
Indian Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
- Origin: Native to India and East Asia.
- Characteristics: This lotus has large, fragrant flowers that come in shades of pink or white. The petals are broad, and the flowers can reach up to 35 cm in diameter. It’s known for its spiritual significance in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
- Origin: Widely found in Asia, from India to Japan.
- Characteristics: Similar to the Indian lotus, the sacred lotus is revered in many cultures. It has large, pink or white flowers with a distinctive, aromatic fragrance. The plant is known for its round, flat leaves that float on the water’s surface.
American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)
- Origin: Native to North America, especially the southeastern United States.
- Characteristics: This lotus has pale yellow flowers that are slightly smaller than the Indian lotus. The petals are long and narrow, and the leaves are large and circular. The flower blooms during the summer and is less fragrant than the Asian varieties.
Egyptian Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea)
- Origin: Native to Egypt and East Africa.
- Characteristics: Known as the blue lotus, this species has sky-blue petals and a yellow center. It holds historical significance in ancient Egyptian culture, often depicted in art and mythology. The flowers open in the morning and close by the afternoon.
Snowflake Lotus (Nymphoides indica)
- Origin: Native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
- Characteristics: Unlike traditional lotuses, this one has small, white flowers with fringed petals that resemble snowflakes. The leaves are floating and heart-shaped. The plant is often used in aquariums and ponds for its ornamental appeal.
Star Lotus (Nymphaea stellata)
- Origin: Found in India and Southeast Asia.
- Characteristics: This lotus has star-shaped flowers with pointed petals, usually blue or purple. The flowers are smaller compared to other lotuses and have a sweet fragrance. The plant is known for its rapid growth and resilience.
Blue Egyptian Lotus (Nymphaea nouchali)
- Origin: Native to East Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Characteristics: With deep blue to purple flowers, this lotus has broad, flat petals and a golden yellow center. It’s often confused with the blue lotus due to its similar appearance. The flowers bloom in the morning and close in the afternoon.
Yellow Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)
- Origin: Native to North America and parts of South America.
- Characteristics: Similar to the American lotus, this variety has large, yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are fragrant and have broad, flat petals. The plant has large, round leaves that float on the water’s surface.
Pink Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Pink’):
- Origin: Cultivated in various parts of Asia.
- Characteristics: This variety is specifically bred for its vibrant pink flowers. The flowers are large, with broad petals and a pleasant fragrance. The plant is often used in ornamental ponds and gardens.
Hybrid Lotus
- Origin: Developed through crossbreeding various lotus species.
- Characteristics: Hybrid lotuses come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes. They are cultivated for specific traits such as larger flowers, unique colors, or increased hardiness. These hybrids can be found in many botanical gardens and are popular among lotus enthusiasts.
Momo Botan Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Momo Botan’)
- Origin: Cultivated in Japan.
- Characteristics: This variety features double-petaled, deep pink flowers. The blooms are medium-sized and highly fragrant, making them popular in ornamental ponds and gardens.
Chawan Basu Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Chawan Basu’):
- Origin: Originated in China and Japan.
- Characteristics: Known for its delicate, light pink flowers that resemble a teacup. The blooms are medium-sized with a sweet fragrance. This variety is often used in traditional Japanese water gardens.
Alba Striata Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Alba Striata’)
- Origin: Developed in China.
- Characteristics: This lotus has large, white flowers with subtle pink streaks. The petals are broad and slightly wavy. The plant is admired for its elegant appearance and is used in decorative water features.
Empress Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Empress’)
- Origin: Cultivated in various parts of Asia.
- Characteristics: Featuring large, double-petaled flowers in shades of deep pink to red. The blooms are highly fragrant and have a luxurious appearance, making them a favorite in ornamental ponds.
Rosea Plena Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Rosea Plena’)
- Origin: Native to Asia.
- Characteristics: This variety has medium to large, rose-colored flowers with double petals. The blooms are highly fragrant and visually stunning, often used in decorative and ceremonial gardens.
Mrs. Perry D. Slocum Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Mrs. Perry D. Slocum’)
- Origin: Hybrid developed in the United States.
- Characteristics: Known for its multi-colored flowers that change from deep pink to pale yellow as they mature. The blooms are large and fragrant, making them a unique addition to water gardens.
Space Lotus 36 (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Space Lotus 36’)
- Origin: Developed through a space breeding program in China.
- Characteristics: This lotus has large, white flowers with a hint of pink. The petals are broad and slightly ruffled. The plant is known for its vigorous growth and resilience, making it popular in ornamental ponds.
Red Scarf Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Red Scarf’)
- Origin: Hybrid developed in China.
- Characteristics: Featuring deep red flowers with double petals. The blooms are large and highly fragrant, making them a striking addition to water gardens and ponds.
Angel Wings Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Angel Wings’):
- Origin: Hybrid developed in the United States.
- Characteristics: This variety has large, white flowers with delicate, ruffled petals. The blooms are highly fragrant and have a serene appearance, often used in decorative water features and ponds.
Golden Wheel Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Golden Wheel’)
- Origin: Cultivated in China.
- Characteristics: Known for its bright yellow flowers with double petals. The blooms are medium-sized and have a light fragrance. The plant is admired for its cheerful appearance and is popular in ornamental ponds and gardens.
Perry’s Giant Sunburst Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Perry’s Giant Sunburst’)
- Origin: Hybrid developed in the United States.
- Characteristics: This variety has large, bright yellow flowers with double petals. The blooms are highly fragrant and can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. It’s known for its vibrant color and impressive size.
Green Maiden Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Green Maiden’)
- Origin: Hybrid developed in China.
- Characteristics: Featuring light green flowers with a subtle pink tinge at the tips of the petals. The blooms are medium-sized and have a delicate fragrance. The plant is admired for its unique color and serene appearance.
Jade Tower Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Jade Tower’)
- Origin: Cultivated in China.
- Characteristics: This lotus has pale green flowers with multiple layers of petals, resembling a pagoda. The blooms are medium to large and have a light fragrance. It’s often used in ornamental ponds for its striking appearance.
Red Star Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Red Star’)
- Origin: Hybrid developed in China.
- Characteristics: Known for its vibrant red flowers with pointed petals. The blooms are large and have a sweet fragrance. The plant is popular in decorative water features due to its bold color.
Sunshine Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Sunshine’)
- Origin: Hybrid developed in the United States.
- Characteristics: This variety features bright yellow flowers with double petals and a slight orange tint at the base. The blooms are large and have a light fragrance. It’s admired for its cheerful color and large size.
Princess Abundance Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Princess Abundance’)
- Origin: Hybrid developed in China.
- Characteristics: Featuring large, double-petaled flowers in a soft pink hue. The blooms are highly fragrant and can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. The plant is known for its abundant flowering and graceful appearance.
Charming Lips Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Charming Lips’)
- Origin: Hybrid developed in China.
- Characteristics: This lotus has white flowers with pink-tipped petals, resembling lipstick. The blooms are medium-sized and have a delicate fragrance. The plant is admired for its unique color pattern and elegant appearance.
Thousand Petals Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Thousand Petals’)
- Origin: Cultivated in China.
- Characteristics: Known for its large, double-petaled flowers with a mix of pink and white petals. The blooms are highly fragrant and have a dense, layered appearance. The plant is often used in ornamental ponds for its intricate beauty.
Crystal Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Crystal’)
- Origin: Hybrid developed in China.
- Characteristics: This variety features pure white flowers with a translucent quality, giving them a crystal-like appearance. The blooms are medium to large and have a light fragrance. It’s popular for its elegant and serene look.
Autumn Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera ‘Autumn’):
- Origin: Hybrid developed in China.
- Characteristics: Featuring large, double-petaled flowers in shades of orange and red, resembling autumn leaves. The blooms are highly fragrant and can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. The plant is admired for its warm colors and striking appearance.