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Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Synonym: Nymphaea nelumbo L., Nelumbium speciosum Willd.

NELUMBONACEAE

Local Names : താമര, Sacred lotus.

Flowering Period : August to January.

Distribution : South and East Asia to far eastern Russia and to Australia

Uses:   Ornamental, Sacred Indian plant, Ayurvedic, Antidiarrheal, Antiinflammatory.

Exotic : No.

Perennial aquatic rhizomatous herbs. Leaves alternate, entire or wavy at margin. Flowers projecting above water level, rose-pink or white at base and pink at tips. Sepals ovate, green when petals white or pinkish green when petals rose-pink. Petals numerous, obovate. Receptacle obconic, yellow. Stamens; anthers yellow or orange. Carpels many, sunk in the cavities of the spongy receptacle; stigmas protruding from receptacle. Fruiting carpels (nuts) ellipsoid..