129 Species of Genus Lotus

The Lotus: A Symbol of Resilience and Beauty

As Ferb Vu, I’ve always been fascinated by the lotus plant. It’s a symbol of resilience, beauty, and purity in many cultures, and for good reason. This aquatic plant emerges from murky waters to bloom pristine and untouched, a metaphor for the human spirit’s ability to rise above challenges.

But the lotus is more than just a pretty face. It’s a genus of flowering plants with a rich history and diverse uses. Let’s dive deeper into the world of the lotus, exploring its different species and unique characteristics.

A Closer Look at the Lotus Genus

The lotus belongs to the Nelumbo genus, which is part of the Nelumbonaceae family. While often confused with water lilies, the lotus is distinct with its unique seed pods and the way its leaves and flowers rise above the water’s surface.

There are 129 species of lotus:

  1. Lotus aduncus (Griseb.) Nyman
  2. Lotus aegaeus (Griseb.) Boiss.
  3. Lotus alianus J.H.Kirkbr.
  4. Lotus alpinus (Ser.) Schleich. ex Ramond
  5. Lotus anfractuosus (Baker f.) Kramina & D.D.Sokoloff
  6. Lotus angustissimus L.
  7. Lotus arabicus Sol. ex L.
  8. Lotus arenarius Brot.
  9. Lotus argyrodes R.P.Murray
  10. Lotus arinagensis Bramwell
  11. Lotus assakensis Coss. ex Brand
  12. Lotus australis Andrews
  13. Lotus axilliflorus (Hub.-Mor.) D.D.Sokoloff
  14. Lotus becquetii Boutique
  15. Lotus benoistii (Maire) Lassen
  16. Lotus berthelotii Masf.
  17. Lotus biflorus Desr.
  18. Lotus borbasii Ujhelyi
  19. Lotus broussonetii Choisy ex Ser.
  20. Lotus brunneri Webb
  21. Lotus burttii Borsos
  22. Lotus callis-viridis Bramwell & D.H.Davis
  23. Lotus campylocladus Webb & Berthel.
  24. Lotus carpetanus Lacaita
  25. Lotus castellanus Boiss. & Reut.
  26. Lotus chazaliei H.Boissieu
  27. Lotus chevalieri Rivas Mart., Lousã, J.C.Costa & Maria C.Duarte
  28. Lotus compactus Chrtková
  29. Lotus conimbricensis Brot.
  30. Lotus conjugatus L.
  31. Lotus corniculatus L.
  32. Lotus creticus L.
  33. Lotus cruentus Court
  34. Lotus cytisoides L.
  35. Lotus × davyae Druce
  36. Lotus discolor E.Mey.
  37. Lotus divaricatus Boiss.
  38. Lotus dorycnium L.
  39. Lotus drepanocarpus Durieu
  40. Lotus dumetorum Webb ex R.P.Murray
  41. Lotus edulis L.
  42. Lotus emeroides R.P.Murray
  43. Lotus eremiticus A.Santos
  44. Lotus eriophthalmus Webb & Berthel.
  45. Lotus frondosus (Freyn) Kuprian.
  46. Lotus fulgurans (Porta) D.D.Sokoloff
  47. Lotus garcinii DC.
  48. Lotus gebelia Vent.
  49. Lotus germanicus (Gremli) Peruzzi
  50. Lotus glacialis (Boiss.) Pau
  51. Lotus glareosus Boiss. & Reut.
  52. Lotus glaucus Aiton
  53. Lotus glinoides Delile
  54. Lotus goetzei Harms
  55. Lotus gomerythus A.Portero, J.Martín-Carbajal & R.Mesa
  56. Lotus graecus L.
  57. Lotus halophilus Boiss. & Spruner
  58. Lotus hebecarpus J.B.Gillett
  59. Lotus hebranicus Hochst. ex Brand
  60. Lotus herbaceus (Vill.) Jauzein
  61. Lotus hirsutus L.
  62. Lotus holosericeus Webb & Berthel.
  63. Lotus jacobaeus L.
  64. Lotus japonicus (Regel) K.Larsen
  65. Lotus jolyi Batt.
  66. Lotus jordanii (Loret & Barrandon) Coulot, Rabaute & J.-M.Tison
  67. Lotus krylovii Schischk. & Serg.
  68. Lotus kunkelii (Esteve) Bramwell & D.H.Davis
  69. Lotus lalambensis Schweinf.
  70. Lotus lancerottensis Webb & Berthel.
  71. Lotus lanuginosus Vent.
  72. Lotus laricus Rech.f., Aellen & Esfand.
  73. Lotus lebrunii Boutique
  74. Lotus longisiliquosus R.Roem.
  75. Lotus lourdes-santiagoi Pina & Valdés
  76. Lotus loweanus Webb & Berthel.
  77. Lotus macranthus Lowe
  78. Lotus maculatus Breitf.
  79. Lotus maritimus L.
  80. Lotus maroccanus Ball
  81. Lotus mascaensis Burchard
  82. Lotus × medioximus Husn.
  83. Lotus michauxianus Ser.
  84. Lotus × minoricensis M.À.Conesa, Mus & Rosselló
  85. Lotus miyakojimae Kramina
  86. Lotus mlanjeanus J.B.Gillett
  87. Lotus mollis Balf.f.
  88. Lotus namulensis Brand
  89. Lotus nubicus Hochst. ex Baker
  90. Lotus oliveirae A.Chev.
  91. Lotus ononopsis Balf.f.
  92. Lotus ornithopodioides L.
  93. Lotus palustris Willd.
  94. Lotus parviflorus Desf.
  95. Lotus peczoricus Miniaev & Ulle
  96. Lotus pedunculatus Cav.
  97. Lotus peregrinus L.
  98. Lotus polyphyllos E.D.Clarke
  99. Lotus pseudocreticus Maire, Weiller & Wilczek
  100. Lotus purpureus Webb
  101. Lotus pyranthus P.Pérez
  102. Lotus quinatus (Forssk.) J.B.Gillett
  103. Lotus rechingeri Chrtková
  104. Lotus rectus L.
  105. Lotus requienii Mauri ex Sanguin.
  106. Lotus robsonii E.S.Martins & D.D.Sokoloff
  107. Lotus sanguineus (Vural) D.D.Sokoloff
  108. Lotus schoelleri Schweinf.
  109. Lotus sessilifolius DC.
  110. Lotus simoneae Maire, Weiller & Wilczek
  111. Lotus spartioides Webb & Berthel.
  112. Lotus spectabilis Choisy ex Ser.
  113. Lotus stepposus Kramina
  114. Lotus strictus Fisch. & C.A.Mey.
  115. Lotus subbiflorus Lag.
  116. Lotus subdigitatus Boutique
  117. Lotus subglaber Charit.
  118. Lotus taitungensis S.S.Ying
  119. Lotus tenellus (Lowe) Sandral, A.Santos & D.D.Sokoloff
  120. Lotus tenuis Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd.
  121. Lotus tetragonolobus L.
  122. Lotus tetraphyllus L.
  123. Lotus tibesticus Maire
  124. Lotus torulosus (Chiov.) Fiori
  125. Lotus × ucrainicus Klokov
  126. Lotus villicarpus Andr.
  127. Lotus weilleri Maire
  128. Lotus wildii J.B.Gillett
  129. Lotus zemmouriensis C.Chatel., F.Andrieu & Dobignard

The Lotus in Different Cultures

The lotus holds deep symbolic meaning in various cultures, particularly in Asia.

  • In Hinduism and Buddhism: The lotus represents purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. It’s often associated with deities like Lakshmi and Buddha.
  • In ancient Egypt: The lotus symbolized the sun and creation. It was associated with the god Nefertem and used in funerary rituals.
  • In China: The lotus is a symbol of purity, harmony, and summer. It’s often depicted in art and literature.

The Many Uses of the Lotus

Beyond its symbolic significance, the lotus has practical uses as well.

  • Food: Almost all parts of the lotus plant are edible. The seeds can be eaten raw, roasted, or ground into flour. The rhizomes (underground stems) are also consumed as a vegetable.
  • Medicine: The lotus has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
  • Ornamentation: The lotus is a popular ornamental plant, grown in ponds and water gardens for its beautiful flowers and unique foliage.

The Lotus Effect: A Marvel of Nature

One of the most fascinating aspects of the lotus is its self-cleaning ability, known as the “lotus effect.” The leaves of the lotus plant are covered in microscopic bumps that repel water and dirt. This allows the leaves to remain clean and dry even when submerged in muddy water. Scientists have studied this phenomenon to develop water-repellent materials inspired by the lotus leaf.

Conservation Efforts

While the lotus is not currently endangered, habitat loss and pollution threaten some populations. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic plant and ensure its survival for future generations.

Conclusion

The lotus is a remarkable plant that has captured the human imagination for centuries. Its beauty, resilience, and diverse uses make it a true marvel of nature. As we continue to learn more about this fascinating plant, we can appreciate its significance not just as a symbol but also as a valuable resource and a source of inspiration.

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