The Indian Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic flowering plant in the Nelumbonaceae family of water lilies. It is also known as the Sacred Lotus.
It is native to Asia.
The roots are in the soil of a pond or river, while the leaves float on the water’s surface. The leaves can grow to 80 centimetres (31 inches) in diameter.
The seed head is green and round with 30-40 seeds.
The flowers have thick stems and rise above the leaves. The stems can be 200 centimetres (79 inches) long. The white or pink-tipped flowers can be 30 centimetres (12 inches) in diameter.
It flowers in summer from July to September in the Northern Hemisphere.
Photographed in the Botanical Garden, Paris, in July 2019.
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
MARTINA NICOLLS