A few months ago, the Phactor endeavored to straighten out the confusion between waterlilies and lotus. They do have a number of superficial similarities, but they are not closely related (note the smaller waterlily leaves to lower left). A sacred lotus is the primary,that is biggest, resident of our garden pond, which was originally constructed almost 100 years ago. Amazingly enough it survives our winter cold because the pond is deep enough that it does not freeze to the bottom, and lotus thrives in our summer tropical weather flowering freely until nights begin to get cold.The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is so called because of its role in Hindu mythology. Lord Brahma emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu while he was sitting on a lotus. The lotus flower is a symbol of eternity and good fortune, and Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth is usually shown associated with a lotus flower.
The lotus is a lovely big flower, quite elegant, and the most pleasing pink color. My daughter has always thought the way water beads up and rolls around on the waxy surface of the large peltate leaf was most amusing. Enjoy.
7 comments:
Beautiful. Do you do anything to protect your water plants? The local raccoons think water lilies make the most delicious salad, and they spare no energy ripping up the pads to get to them.
Anonymous asks, "Do you do anything to protect your water plants?"
No, nothing much bothers the lotus, not even the Japanese beetles who love the pickerel weed growing with the lotus. We have no shortage of raccoons, but perhaps the water is too deep. And of course, lotus are not water lilies!
you have a lotus in your garden! i'm jealous..
Arati said, "I'm jealous".
This is one of the purposes of a garden, to make neighbors and friends envious, but really my garden plant that generates the most jealousy is the gigantic bald cypress in the front yard. Everyone wants it, which is why we have this garden, Mrs. Phactor had coveted that tree for years.
lol.. now you need to post a picture of the cypress so the rest of us can turn a darker shade of green
I am planning on going to a Lotus festival here in Korea soon. It's a white lotus festival, those are rare. The event will be in Mokpo. I should put up some pictures.
RE: white lotus.
Lotus do come white, but big white water lilies also get this name. The Korean ones should be lotus. Pictures would be great!
Post a Comment