How to Identify a Lotus Flower

Lotus flowers are native to China. The seeds of the lotus stay viable longer than any other seed on record, up to 1,200 years. This flower is sacred to Buddhists and considered the flower of vitality and purity. In fact, many statues of Buddha feature him sitting on a lotus flower. The lotus flower is hardy in U.S. Department of Agricultural zones 5 to 10.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the location the flower is blooming. Lotuses grow submerged in water, like a water lily. If they flower is resting on the water or sticking out of the water on a long stem it could be a lotus flower.
- 2
  Look at the color of the flower. Lotus flowers are pink or white with yellow stamen.
- 3
  Look at the size of the flowers and the number of petals. Lotus flowers are 4 to 8 inches across. They have 15 rounded flower petals with tapered ends.
- 4
  Look at the flower's center. Lotus flowers have a feathery stamen with a receptacle in the middle that looks like an upside-down cone.
- 5
  Examine the leaves surrounded the flowers. Lotus leaves are large circular leaves with scalloped edges.

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