1. 'Lotus' is the National Flower of India.2. It is scientifically known as 'Nelumbo Nucifera'.
3. It is a sacred flower and occupies a unique position in the art and mythology of ancient India and has been an auspicious symbol of Indian culture since time immemorial.
4. It was because of these noble meanings and cultural significance that made the founding fathers of modern India enshrine the Lotus as the National Flower of India.
5. Lotus flower is found only in two colours that are pink and white.
6. The flower grows in murky water and rises on a long stalk above the surface to bloom glorious.
7. The stem of Lotus is fleshy and thick and is called rhizome, which grows in the mud at the bottom of water sources.
8. It gives off bunches of roots to keep the plant anchored to the soil.
9. Leaves develop from the nodes of rhizome. The rhizome can be used for propagation of Lotus.
10. Leaves of Lotus are simple and almost round with long, hollow, air-filled stalks (petiole) that give support to the leaf to float on the surface of water.
11. The stalk may be up to 100 cm. long and is covered with tiny spikes called prickles.
12. The Lotus flower appears singly on a long, spongy stalk covered with tiny spikes.
13. The flowers are large, showy that usually remains high above the water surface.
14. It is a beautiful flower which symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth, knowledge and not to forget enlightenment.
15. Though it is an absolutely Indian flower, nowadays it is also found in countries like China, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Egypt and tropical America etc.
16. Untouched by the impurity, lotus symbolises the purity of heart and mind.
17. According to Hindu mythology Lotus is made as a seat of the Goddess of wealth- Lakshmi.
18. Although Lotus is mainly regarded as an ornamental plant and its flowers are used for religious purposes, it has several other uses.
19. Lotus honey is useful for treatment of various diseases of the eyes.
20. Apart from India, Lotus is also the National Flower of Vietnam.
21. In Egypt the Lotus flowers are considered to auspicious because they are regarded as the symbol of Sun God.
