# Lotus

The lotus is a beautiful flower that blooms on the surface of water. It is known for its lovely petals and is often seen in ponds.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Ponds and shallow waters
- **Also known as:** Blue Lotus, Indian Lotus, White Lotus

![Lotus](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424407/objects/4949.jpg)

## Appearance

The Lotus has large, round leaves that float on the water, often reaching 60cm wide. Its striking, multi-petaled flowers bloom in white or various shades of pink, rising on stiff stems above the leaves, with a prominent yellow center.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Fabales
- **Family:** Fabaceae
- **Genus:** Lotus

## Interesting facts

- Its amazing leaves are naturally self-cleaning, always looking sparkling fresh.
- Lotus flowers can mysteriously keep themselves warm, even in cool temperatures.
- The air trapped in its stems helps the lotus breathe underwater!
- The oldest known viable lotus seed sprouted after over 1,300 years!

## Special abilities

- **Self-Cleaning Power:** Lotus leaves have a superhydrophobic surface that sheds water and dirt, keeping them remarkably clean and healthy.
- **Warmth Generator:** Some lotus flowers can generate heat, attracting pollinators and helping them develop properly.
- **Ancient Seed Survivor:** Lotus seeds can remain viable for hundreds, even thousands, of years, waiting for the perfect time to sprout.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 50-150 cm
- **Spread:** 100-300 cm
- **Flower Size:** 10-30 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Summer
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — collects nectar and pollen
- **Pollinates:** [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) — collects nectar and pollen
- **Eaten by:** [Common Carp](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-carp) (*Cyprinus carpio*) — may feed on young roots or shoots
- **Shelter:** Mallard (*Anas platyrhynchos*) — nests among its dense leaves

## Traits

- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
- [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

## Collections

- [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Lotus?

Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Lotus?

50-150 cm

### How wide does Lotus spread?

100-300 cm

### How big are the flowers on Lotus?

10-30 cm

### When does Lotus bloom?

Summer

### Is Lotus edible?

Yes

### Is Lotus toxic?

None

### What is Lotus's lifecycle?

Perennial

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Lotus: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lotus)