Nelumbo nucifera is known by a number of common names, including sacred lotus, Indian lotus, sacred water lily, and water lily. This plant is an aquatic perennial, native to India and Indonesia, most commonly cultivated in water gardens . It is the National Flower of India.

The roots of Nelumbo nucifera are planted in the soil of the pond or river bottom, while the leaves float on top of the water surface. The flowers are usually found on thick stems rising several centimeters above the water. The plant normally grows up to a height of about 150 cm. and a horizontal spread of up to 3 meters, but some unverified reports place the height as high as over 5 meters. The leaves may be as large as 60 cm. in diameter, while the showy flowers can be up to 20 cm. in diameter.

There are a number of different cultivars, the bloom colours varying from snow white, to yellow, to a light red. It is hardy to USDA Zone 4. The plant can be propagated from seeds or rhizomes.

Uses in cooking

The flowers, seeds, young leaves and rhizomes are all edible. In Asia, the petals are sometimes used for garnish, while the large leaves are used as a wrap for food. The rhizome is a common soup or stir-fry ingredient and is the part most commonly consumed. Petals, leaves, and rhizome can also all be eaten raw.

The stamens can be dried and made into a fragrant herbal tea.

The seeds or nuts are quite versatile, and can be eaten raw or dried and popped like popcorn. They can also be boiled down until soft and made into a paste. Combined with sugar, lotus seed paste is a common ingredient in pastries such as mooncakes, daifuku and rice flour pudding.

Various parts of the sacred lotus are also used in traditional Asian herbal medicine.

The Lotus in Hinduism

Hindus associate the lotus blossom with creation mythology, and with the god Vishnu. See also: Lotus Position.

The Lotus in Buddhism

Borrowing from Hinduism, in Buddhist symbolism, the lotus represents purity of body, speech, and mind, floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. The Buddha is often depicted sitting on a giant lotus leaf or blossom.