Lotus, also known as lotus, water lily, etc., is a perennial aquatic herbaceous plant of the lotus genus in the water lily family. It has many significant characteristics, mainly including the following aspects:
1. Aquatic nature: Lotus is a typical aquatic plant that grows in water or swamps. Its rhizomes (lotus roots) are enlarged and spread in the mud at the bottom of the water, with leaves and flowers floating on the surface of the water.
2. Unique leaves: The leaves of lotus flowers are called lotus leaves, which are large and round, with a deep green surface and a gray green back, and often have a layer of white powder, which makes lotus leaves waterproof and self-cleaning. Water droplets falling on them will roll off without leaving any traces. The edges of lotus leaves are wavy, and the petioles are thick, cylindrical, hollow, and often have small spines.
3. Beautiful flowers: Lotus flowers are large and vibrant, with a variety of colors, including pink, white, red, and some even have two-color or multi-color varieties. There are many petals embedded in the receptacle, with various flower types including single petal, double petal, double petal, and double petal. Lotus flowers have a long flowering period and can bloom from summer to autumn, making them an important ornamental flower in summer.
4. Fruit and seeds: The fruit of lotus is called lotus pod, which contains numerous lotus seeds. When mature, the lotus pod turns black brown, and the lotus seeds are edible or used as medicine. They have the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, tonifying the spleen, and stopping diarrhea. The outer shell of lotus seeds is hard, with a green embryo inside, known as the "lotus heart", which tastes extremely bitter but has medicinal value.
5. Cultural symbol: Lotus has a high status in Chinese culture, known as the "gentleman among flowers", symbolizing nobility, purity, and elegance. Since ancient times, lotus flowers have been a frequent guest in the writings of literati and artists, and an important element in Chinese garden art.
6. Ecological value: Lotus not only beautifies the environment, but also purifies water quality. Its roots, stems, and leaves can absorb harmful substances in water, helping to improve water quality and maintain ecological balance. Meanwhile, lotus flowers are also a food source and habitat for many aquatic organisms such as fish and birds.
Lotus is widely loved by people for its unique aquatic nature, beautiful flowers, abundant fruits, profound cultural connotations, and ecological value.