Lotus, Sacred (Sacred Water Lily)
Nelumbo nucifera
Family: Nympheaeceae
Aquatic perennial. Native to India and Pakistan. The flower
is among the most beautiful on earth, floating among the pad-shaped leathery
leaves, some of which rest on the water surface, and others rising from
the water, borne on thick stems. All parts of the plant are used
medicinally. The seed is demulcent and nutritive. The flowers
are cooling and sedative. The root is also a demulcent. The
leaves are made into an astringent poultice. Cultivation: Easy.
Scarify carefully the rounder end of the seed until the white endosperm
is just exposed, and drop into a gallon jar or aquarium, lined with mud
and rock on the bottom to simulate a pond. Germinates at room temperature
in 3 to 7 days. Prefers sunlight and warmth for germination.
The plumule and radicle will emerge from the softening seedcoat. Multiple
stems reach up to the water surface and form tiny pads. Roots reach
down to find purchase among the mud and the stones. Eventually, the
plant may be transplanted to a pond. Lotus is cold hardy as long
as the rhizome itself, sunk in the mud at the bottom of the pond, does
not freeze. Or, file the seeds and toss them into the pond, or bury
them directly in the mud at the bottom of the pond. Multiple stems
will arise as far as 1 to 3 feet from the seed to the water surface.
Return
to Herb Seed Index