Friday Fabulous Flower - Lotus

Not everything suffers from the heat; some plants like it especially when they have their roots firmly planted in a aquatic habitat.  The Phactor also knows he's done lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) before for a previous FFF post and another just musing (here and here), but they're such a wonderful flower and they photograph so nicely.  The lotus used to own the entire pond, but in these economic times it's had to downsize to a 60 gallon pot, and we will endeavor to keep it so confined.  As you can see the renovated pond is looking pretty good. 

Friday Fabulous Flower - Sacred Lotus

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.