Nelumbo

Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)

The lotus flower (Nelumbo ), also called the Lotus, the only genus of the plant family of lotus plants ( Nelumbonaceae ). Of the only two species, the one in the New World and the other is native to Asia and northern Australia. Both species and their hybrids are used as ornamental plants and provide food.

Description

The two Lotus species are perennial, herbaceous aquatic plants with rhizomes. There are different sheets formed ( Heterophyllie ). The leaves are peltate ( Peltatum ). Stipules are present. The large flowers are hermaphroditic, with many free carpels. Pollination is by beetles.

The special feature of the leaves of the lotus is that they are liquid- repellent, so that for example water simply runs off. Thus, the leaves stay clean always, and it can form on them, no fungi or other organisms that could harm the plant ( Lotus effect).

System

The genus Nelumbo was erected in 1763 by Michel Adanson in Familles des Plantes, 2, pp. 76, 582. Nelumbo is the only genus of the family Nelumbonaceae. As a first publication of the Nelumbonaceae family is Achille Richard in Bory: Dictionnaire Classique d' Histoire Naturelle, par Messieurs Audouin, Isid. Bourdon, Ad. Brongniart, de Candolle ... et Bory de Saint -Vincent. , 11, 1827, p 492

The genus Nelumbo contains only two types:

  • Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, Syn: .. .. .. Nelumbo caspica Eichw, Nelumbo komarovii Grossh, Nelumbo nelumbo (L.) Druce, nom inval, Nelumbo speciosum Willd, Nymphaea nelumbo (L.) )
  • American lotus (Nelumbo lutea Willd, Syn: .. Nelumbo nucifera subsp lutea ( Willd.) Borsch & Barthlott, Nelumbo pentapetala (Walter ) Willd, Nymphaea pentapetala Walter. ).

Possible confusion of trivial names

The Tiger Lotus or Egyptian White Lotus is just like the Blue Lotus Flower a kind in the genus of water lilies (Nymphaea ) in the family Nymphaeaceae and is not related to the real Lotus.

Symbolism

His ability to have dirt on its own, let the lotus in many parts of Asia are a symbol of purity, loyalty, creativity and enlightenment. The symbol can be found in both Hinduism and Buddhism. As a symbol of purity, the shape of the lotus flower was also taken up by the Bahai: The first house of worship in India, a sacred building for the followers of all religions, the shape of a lotus flower is modeled. Highly versatile is its symbolism in China pronounced: Due to their sound equality, the words are brought love and harmonious marital ties with the lotus in connection therewith; the lotus flower is therefore also a symbol of a good marriage. Especially the red lotus flower is a symbol of the vagina. In Buddhism, the lotus is one of the eight treasures and is a symbol for the unfolding of time ( with the individual phases fruit, flower and stem ) and for the effect of the Buddha's teachings ( the roots are in the mud, but blossomed on the surface of the lotus ). In Taoism, the lotus is an attribute of the Daoist immortals He Xiangu. As Anthemion he also has meaning in art.

Use

The roots, fruits, seeds and stalks are eaten. The leaves are used as packaging for food and all parts of the plant are used as drug use. The seeds are used in prayer beads and the dried lotus fruit is used as a calligraphy brush. The fibers of the stems and leaves can be spun into Lotus silk.

Because of its dirt -repellent properties, the so-called lotus effect, he is a research object for surface sealants.

Others

The University of Tokyo has a Lotus Research Center.

Pictures

Close-up of a lotus leaf

Lotus leaves in the rain On the lotus leaves is silvery raindrops (center), the leaves of the water lily normal form (bottom of picture) are completely wetted by water

Pickled lotus root with ginger and lemon, as it is eaten in Japan

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