Nelumbo nucifera

East Indian Lotus, Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, Bean of India

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

The red lotus is the Avatar. The white lotus is the Divine Consciousness.

The Mother

The red lotus represents Sri Aurobindo, the white one represents me. In a general way, the lotus is the flower of the Divine Wisdom, whatever its colour. But red signifies the Avatar, the Divine incarnated in matter, and white signifies the Divine Consciousness manifested upon earth.

The Mother

Family

Nymphaeaceae

Cultivars

Alba Grandiflora', 'Rosea Plena'

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Up to 12 inches in diameter

Flower Texture

Smooth, waxy

Number of Petals

Many layered

Floral Symmetry

Radial

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly fragrant, pleasant

Leaf Texture

Waxy, waterproof

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Aquatic herb

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Late spring to summer

Climate

Tropical and subtropical

Water Requirements

Standing water

Soil Type

Heavy clay, submerged

Temperature Ranges

Warm climates

Sun or Shade

Full sun

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Few pests, snails, fungal diseases

Pollinators

Bees, beetles

Habitat

Freshwater basins, ponds, lakes

Role in the Ecosystem

Habitat and food for wildlife, stabilizes sediments

Quotations

Spiritual and religious contexts

Ornamental

Water gardens, ponds

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Cultural ceremonies, culinary use

Endangered Status

Not globally endangered