The lotus flower is actually a herb that reaches a height of 3 to 4.5 ft and relies on water to live and to grow. It consists of a series of “rhizomes” which are rounded leaves of a blue-green colour. They can grow up to two feet in diameter. The bulbs are pear-shaped and open up into fantastic white, yellow or pink flowers. The lotus flower is part of the waterlily species and is closely associated with Chinese culture. The flower is a symbol of the Buddhist religion which is predominant in Thailand.
The sees from this flowering herb are pulverised and used to make flavoursome cakes and other food products. Also the root can be used to make a drink and the leaves can be used for steaming food. The seeds can be eaten raw or dried up and rolled in sugar to make a tasty snack. The petals can be used to make a sauce and the root is used widely in Japan and Thailand.
The lotus flower also has many medicinal uses, such as a treatment for diarrhoea, as well as a diuretic and restorative medicine. Most of the plant is used but most important are the seeds, stem and leaves.
In ancient Egyptian culture, there used to be only blue and white lotus flowers. But more recently the pink flowers were brought over from Persia, although the blue flower remains the most significant in Egypt today. The flower is symbolic of rebirth or resurrection, as it closes each night and disappears under the water to surface again and open up in the morning with a beautiful blooming flower.
In America the flowers are not so symbolic but are treasured as a beautiful flowers all the same and are more commonly known as the water lily. They are found on ponds or lakes and are known to repel water with the small hairs on the petals
In Thailand the lotus flower is often grown at Buddhist temples. The flower is thought to be favoured by the Lord Buddha himself. The seeds from the lotus are used as a traditional medicine in Thailand used to treat hypertension and anxiety.
Virgin Florist 