National Flower of India. By @pijushossain

National Flower of India:-

A country's national flower should blend with a nation's culture, history and traditions. Lotus is the national flower of India. It is an aquatic herb often called 'padma' in Sanskrit and enjoys a sacred status within Indian culture. A prominent feature of Indian mythology, the lotus is one with the Indian identity and represents the core values of the Indian psyche.

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Lotus symbolizes spirituality, fruitfulness, wealth, knowledge and enlightenment. The most important thing about the lotus is that it is untouched by its impurity even after growing in murky water. On the other hand lotus symbolizes purity of heart and mind. The national flower 'Lotus' or water lily is an aquatic plant of the genus Nymphaea with broad floating leaves and brightly scented flowers that grow only in shallow water. Lotus leaves and flowers float and have long stems with air spaces. The many petals of the lotus flower overlap in a symmetrical pattern. The main functions of the lotus are performed by rhizomes that fan out horizontally through the mud under water. Lotuses, cherished for their tranquil beauty, are a delight to watch as their blossoms open on the surface of the pond.

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Distribution:-

Nelumbo nucifera or Indian lotus is native to East Asia but has a worldwide distribution range in sub-tropical climates. It is predominant in the Indian subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh and Myanmar; But it is also very common in other Southeast Asian countries like Bali, Indonesia, Malaysia etc. It is cultivated in Australia as well as European countries for its aesthetic value.

Residence:-
They prefer shallow, murky waters in warm climates. Stems, petioles and roots are submerged while leaves and flowers are on the surface of the water.

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Description:-
The lotus stem is underground in the muddy soil below the living water body. It changes into a structure known as a rhizome that acts as both an anchoring device and a storage organ. Roots grow in clusters from short and fibrous stem internodes.
Lotus plants have simple leaves meaning one per leaf stalk. Stems grow upwards from the rhizomatous stem – green, long, rounded and hollow. The stems grow about 2-3 cm above the surface of the water holding the flowers and leaves. The cone-shaped central female reproductive structure called the thalamus is made up of delicate petals. The lotus bud is tear-drop shaped with pointed tips and tightly packed petals. Petals are translucent and open in an overlapping spiral pattern. The flowers open in the morning and bloom for three days. After sunset the petals close to trap the pollinating agent. The central yellow receptacle of the spongy thalamus contains the ovule which after fertilization develops into the seed and is embedded in a single cell along the surface. The seeds are hard, oval and dark brown in color.
Cultivation method:-
Lotuses are cultivated throughout the world for the food value of the stems and rhizomes as well as the aesthetic value of the flowers. Plants are mostly propagated primarily by seed.

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Uses:-
Apart from its aesthetic value, the whole lotus plant is also of considerable economic and medicinal value. Every part of the plant is usable. Mature leaves are often used for packaging as well as serving food. In India serving food on lotus leaves is considered beneficial for health. Most of East Asia such as China, Korea and Indonesia Rhizomes and leaf stalks are used as vegetables in the country. Rhizomes are boiled, chopped and fried, used in salads, pickled in vinegar. It is rich in fiber, contains essential minerals like B1, B2, B6 and C, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and copper. Lotus seeds are also quite popular as nuts and are often eaten raw. These are used to make a type of popcorn known as Phul Makhana Can be fried or dry roasted. Lotus seed paste is a common ingredient in Asian desserts such as mooncakes, rice flour puddings, and daifuku.