Sacred Lotus

Nelumbo nucifera is a majestic aquatic perennial that grows from thick rhizomes rooted in mud. It features large, circular, waxy green leaves that can reach two feet across, often rising high above the water on stiff petioles. In summer, fragrant pink or white flowers bloom, followed by distinctive nut-bearing seed pods. Thriving in full sun and nutrient-rich loamy soil, it is widely used in water gardens, religious ceremonies, and Asian cuisine for its edible roots and seeds. It is truly an iconic species.