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Nelumbo nucifera |
Indian lotus |
Seroja |
Nymphaeaceae |
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The sacred lotus has leaves that emerge 6 ft (1.8 m) or more a bove
the water. The plant spreads to 4 ft (1.2 m) wide. Large, fragrant,
pink, 10 in (25 cm) wide flowers are borne above large,
shield-shaped, pale green leaves.
This vigorous plant from Asia and northern Australia grows well in
large ponds; Buddha is often depicted in the center of such a lotus.
Cultivation: These plants require an open, sunny position in 24 in
(60 cm) of water.
Plant them in large pots in heavy loam and submerge.
Propagate from seed or by
 division. |
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Lotus ,also called sacred Lotus and/or Indian Lotus, originating in
Asia, Persia, India to China and in north eastern areas of
Australia, is a perennial aquatic crop that is grown and consumed
throughout Asia. The young leaves and flower stalks, seeds and
rhizomes are all edible. The flower is used in religious ceremonies
and the flower receptacles (pods) are used for ornamental purposes.
Oriental medicine also has a marvellous range of uses for lotus and
no part of the plant is neglected .
All parts of the lotus are used in medicine. The leaves are known
for various properties including comparable refrigerant, astringent
and diuretic actions. This led to various diverse applications such
as using the leaves for diarrhoea, high fever, haemorrhoids,
strangury and leprosy. The seeds would stop vomiting or soothe
irritation of the digestive tract. Ripe lotus seeds also provide a
spleen tonic and are used for their astringent action in the
treatment of chronic diarrhoea, seminal emission and leucorrhoea, as
well as having a sedative action, making them useful for insomnia
and heart palpitations. The lotus plumule (or embryo) removed from
the ripe seed and sun-dried, is primarily used for nervous
disorders, insomnia, high fevers with restlessness and hypertension.
The flower pods (flower receptacles) contain proteins, carbohydrates
and a small amount of alkaloid Nelumbine, used to stop bleeding and
eliminate stagnated blood. The stamens assist consolidation of
kidney function and are particularly useful in the treatment of male
sexual disorders and female leucorrhea.
If it needs to be propagated by seed, the best and most simple
method is to make a small hole on the seed skin. Be careful not to
damage the flesh of the seed and soak in water at 25¡C, with 12
hours light. Change the water daily until seed germinates (5-8
days). Transplanting occurs 6-8 weeks later when the seedlings have
2-3 leaves and a few roots. Lotus prefers to be grown in organically
abundant media.
Lotus rhizomes are used for stir-frying, soups, salads, pickles and
deep-frying. Lotus seeds are used in candy, cookies and/or preserved
in syrup.
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