The lotus flower scientifically belongs to the genus Nelumbo, while it comes from the genus Nymphaea. This classification states that it is not at all related to the pond lily. Before its scientific name, it had other labels, such as Nelumbium Speciosum (Willd.) or Nymphaea nelumbo. It is an aquatic plant that is the symbol of India. The distribution of it to mainland Europe occurred in 1787 when Sir Joseph Banks brought this to Western Europe to plant it in a greenhouse in one of the botanical gardens.
It grows in almost all climates, except for cold where weather freezes. Although it grows floating on the surface of the water, its root system grows downwards to touch the ground or mud to absorb nutrients and nutrients. This plant requires direct sunlight, is not too windy, and likes waters whose currents are not too heavy and tend to be calm. To enjoy the beauty of them, it takes at least two months from planting seeds. How to plant lotus is easy. You only need accuracy starting from the early stages of the planting period.
This beautiful creature has a philosophical meaning for some people. The philosophy comes from the habitat of flowers that grow in dirty environments which are a source of disease but still produce beauty through their flowers. This condition means that a bad environment is not the reason why someone behaves badly.
Egyptian society considers that it is a symbol of control over the mind and spirit in letting go of greedy attitudes in life to achieve soul perfection. In addition, Buddhists and Chinese people use them as inspiration for works of art, architecture, and building design. In Hindu culture, it symbolizes certain qualities according to its color.
The white lotus stands for purity of mind, the tranquility of human nature, and spiritual perfection. Then the red ones are a symbol of selfless love, passion, compassion, and kindness. It is under the ancient Hindu teaching called Avatara Kalki. As for the pink lotus, they symbolize the highest, holy and honorable place. You can see this from the representation of all Hindu gods sitting on pink lotuses because they have attained supreme enlightenment. Then the blue lotus has meaning as a source of knowledge. Then the blue lotus has significance as a source of knowledge.
It is an annual plant that lives in water. This plant is often confused with the water lily. Though the two are different and not related at all. The similarity lies only in their living habitats that grow on muddy soil or above water. To know the difference, check out this one:
1. The petals
The petals of it with a pond lily are very different. It has round and large petals. The petals are also irregular and not too much. As for pond lilies, the petals are rather long and pointed. They usually stack up neatly. It has only yellow, white, and pink colors. While pond lilies have yellow-white, purplish pink, and yellow purple are also available.
2. The stems
Its stems can rise above the water. They can grow up to one meter. So, the leaf and flower don’t float on the water. Then the stems of pond lilies can not rise above the water. So, the leaf and flower will stay floating.
3. The leaves
Its leaves are round, without any splits. The sides are wavy. The top and bottom of the leaves are both green. The leaves have a waxy coating. So, at first glance, similar to Moringa leaves. The pond lily leaf is also round but has a split on one side. The sides are jagged. Its leaves usually have a purplish color at the bottom and green at the top.
This beautiful one is a favorite pond decoration flower. The Japanese, Chinese, and Indians take the rhizome to cook and eat. However, you must cook it properly because it can be a source of transmission of Trematode parasites. Its seeds are rich in flour. So they can be processed into food. Flower seeds can be boiled and then mashed and mixed with sugar to make a moon cake filling. Its stems with holes can be dried as raw materials for handicrafts. While its leaves are used as wrappers. For example, like a fish wrapper in traditional markets in villages.
According to research, it contains chemical properties such as phenolics, alkaloids, tocopherols, flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins that function as antioxidants. These antioxidant substances can help humans cleanse the toxins in the body, prevent the spread of germs, and improve kidney function. So it can boost the human immune system. Then its root has an excellent antioxidant function. The ethanol found in its rhizome is known to help the body control blood sugar. And quercetin and glycosides contained in its flowers can inhibit enzymes that cause complications in diabetes.
Since ancient times, people in China have consumed its leaf extract to facilitate the body’s metabolic processes and prevent obesity or obesity in the human body. The active substance in its flowers, such as armepavine, is a substance that has an anti-fibrotic effect. This substance can actively reduce metabolic parameters in cases of liver fibrosis so that it can ultimately relieve or treat hepatitis B.
The chemical content of this one is known to prevent various diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. One of the chemicals found in this plant is ethanol which is known to help inhibit the development of the herpes virus. In addition, the flavonoid content of its leaves can help prevent the development of the virus. The composition of other natural chemicals contained in its leaves can prevent fungi from growing and living in the human body. In addition to the benefits and uses above, they are also one of the most popular cut flowers. You can pair the flower decorations in this vase with other types. Then, they can be used as a bouquet because of their long stalk.
