Lotus, or ‘nelumbo nucifera’, was introduced to the Egyptian world when the Persians invaded Egypt in the latter part of ancient Egyptian history. After that, this blue water-lily was regarded with respect by the ancient Egyptians and was often referred to as the ‘blue lotus’ or the ‘sacred lotus’.

Lotus is well known by a variety of names like ‘Indian lotus’, ‘sacred water-lily’ and the ‘bean of India’. It is a perennial plant which thrives in shallow water. The flowers are available mostly in shades of pink and white and rarely in blue colours. The lotus is unique in its own way. Grown mostly in turbid waters, this amazing flower gracefully rises above all impurities on its long stalk and stands as a symbol of serene divinity and purity. The lotus seeds, if preserved carefully, can be used for germination even after hundreds of years.

This pristine flower is widely grown in regions like modern Vietnam and Afghanistan. In southern Asia and Australia, the flower is popularly grown in water gardens. It is highly acclaimed for its exquisite beauty and used for decorative and religious purposes. It is regarded as the national flower of India. In Africa, the flower is considered a rare or extinct species.