Facts About the Indian Lotus Flower

The Indian lotus flower is the national flower of India, and has many associations with the Hindu gods, religion and literature. Its seeds, leaves, flowers and roots are all edible, and are frequently used in a variety of Asian foods and medicines. Commonly mistaken for a water lily, the lotus flower is a separate species. So what exactly is the Indian lotus flower?

Scientific Name

The scientific name for the Indian lotus is Nelumbo nucifera. It is a water flower, and is perennial in tropical climates, flowering every year.

How it Grows

The roots of the lotus grow in the soil of ponds and river bottoms, while the leaves and flowers float on top of the water's surface.

Characteristics

The leaves of the lotus are large, green and paddle-shaped and can grow over 20 inches high. The flowers, always pink, have multiple layers of long, blade-shaped petals and can grow up to 8 inches across. The plant itself can grow up to 60 inches high and can spread up to 9 feet horizontally.

Seed Pods

The dried seed pods are very distinctive: They are large, gray-brown, roughly rounded pods with multiple holes for seeds, and are frequently used in dried flower arrangements.

Cultural History

The lotus flower represents purity of mind and body in both Hindi and Buddhist religions, and is frequently seen in the art of Buddhism, Hinduism and other Japanese and Chinese traditions.