Nelumbo Nucifera
Nelumbo nucifera
Nelumbo nucifera, commonly referred to as the sacred lotus, Indian lotus, or simply the lotus, is a plant of major cultural, religious, and agricultural importance in Asia. It is native to East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. This perennial aquatic plant belongs to the genus Nelumbo, which also includes Nelumbo lutea, known as the American lotus.
Botanical Characteristics
Nelumbo nucifera is distinctive for its showy pink or white flowers that can reach up to 30 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are large and circular, sometimes spanning up to 60 centimeters across, and they float on the surface of the water or rise above it on long stalks. The plant's fruits are a conical pod with seeds embedded in the structure, which can remain viable for up to 1,300 years, as shown by discoveries in ancient lake beds.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The sacred lotus holds a revered position in various religions and cultures, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. It is often depicted in art and literature across the regions where the plant grows. In India, the lotus is the national flower, deeply intertwined with the country's identity and heritage.
Thermoregulation
One of the unique properties of Nelumbo nucifera is its ability to regulate its temperature within the range of 30–35 °C (86–95 °F). This thermoregulation occurs even when ambient temperatures drop as low as 10 °C (50 °F). Scientists hypothesize that this characteristic may help to attract cold-blooded insects that serve as pollinators.
Cultivation
In agriculture, Nelumbo nucifera is cultivated for its seeds, which are a food source, and for its large edible rhizomes. In China, popular cultivars include Elian 1, Elian 4, Elian 5, 9217, Xin 1, and 00–01. These cultivars yield an average of 7.5–15 tons per hectare in July and 30–45 tons per hectare in September.