The flowering of this plant annually attracts thousands of tourists in different parts of the world. From exotic Thailand, Japan, China to the Astrakhan region. Even special tours and excursions are organized. Huge snow-white or pink flowers of a nut-bearing lotus blossom only for a couple of days, but the sight is incomparable.
Nelumbo nucifera: Description
This species is defined as a perennial herbaceous amphibian plant belonging to the Lotus family and the genus of the same name. It has a rhizome, which turned into thick underwater stems fixed in the ground. The plant belongs to relict tropical species, and therefore is of great interest not only to botanists. The nelumbo nucifera has two types of leaves: scaly underwater and floating or raised high above the water. They have a rounded, funnel-shaped and long flexible petioles, the diameter reaches 50-70 cm. Bright green leathery leaves are covered with a dense waxy coating and therefore do not get wet, and water drops roll off them.
How and when does the lotus blossom?
One of the most striking characteristics that the walnut lotus has (photo above) is its flowers. They are very large (25-30 cm in diameter) and spectacular. They rise above the surface of the water on a straight pedicel, have a conical wide receptacle surrounded by many petals of a delicate pink hue (white in cultivated forms), in the very center there are many bright yellow stamens. The flower has a delicate pleasant aroma. In the recesses of the receptacle, fruits are formed - nuts (this is what the name implies) are about 1.5 cm long; they have a dense woody pericarp.
Geography of growth
The modern growing area is very vast. Nelumbo lotus prefers a warm climate with high humidity. The plant is most common in the temperate and tropical regions of Asia (including India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Iran, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, etc.). In Russia, the lotus can be seen in the lower reaches of the Amur River in the Far East, the river basins of the Zeya, Tunguska, Ussuri, Bureya, Puryatina island, Prikhankaiskaya plain, the coast of the Azov and Caspian seas.
How to germinate a nutty lotus?
An exotic guest appeared in European gardens only at the end of the 18th century. It began to be used to decorate small ponds, tanks in the open air, and if the climate allowed - in greenhouses. Perhaps the most spectacular and dazzling plant for a reservoir is a nut-bearing lotus. Growing from seeds is quite real. It is reliably known that they have an amazing ability to germinate even 150 and 200 years after they were collected.
In order for the nut to sprout faster, its shell should be lightly rubbed with sandpaper or a file, that is, to cause mechanical damage. Then put the seeds in a jar of water and place it in a sunny place. The process of germination is amazing, it is extremely interesting to watch. First, the thick shell of the nut bursts, then one by one the small leaves begin to appear, and after about 20-25 days, thin roots.
Planting a nutty lotus
Young plants are either planted in pots and put in a container with water, or immediately in a pond. Remember that fragile leaves must float to the surface. In addition to the seed propagation method, rhizome division is also possible. Whatever you choose, you need to do this in March-April.
To grow a nut-bearing lotus in open artificial reservoirs, a special soil is prepared, which is a mixture of silt, sand and a small amount of gravel and clay. In greenhouses, the plant grows in pots. The optimal water level for a lotus is considered to be 30-40 cm. It should be soft, clean. It is advisable to have a filter or you will have to periodically add or completely replace the water.
The main catch is growing in the climate. He prefers the southern regions, where rice, grapes, watermelons, etc. feel good. The plant has a long vegetative period. He constantly needs sunlight, heat, high humidity and water temperature in the range of 25-30 ° C.
History and limiting factors
The first notes on the Nelumbo nucifera as one of the representatives of the genus Water Lilies were made by Karl Linnaeus in 1753. A few years later (1763), the French naturalist M. Adanson singled out plants in a separate group. Now the genus is represented by only two species: the walnut lotus and the American yellow.
Lotus has been revered for many centuries in most (if not all) countries of Southeast Asia as a sacred plant. He played an important role in various rites, rituals, traditions. Evidence of this are the most ancient monuments of architecture, literature, art. In India, our entire Earth was represented as a large lotus flower that blossomed on the surface of the water. The gods were portrayed as seated or standing on it. And to this day, temples and sacred places are decorated with amazingly beautiful lotus flowers, as a symbol of purity and nobility (after all, it grows from dirty silt, but itself always remains white).
In Russia, the nut-bearing lotus is listed in the Red Book, in the category of rare species. Factors contributing to the reduction of the population are: drainage and pollution of water bodies, collection of rhizomes and flowers for decorative and food purposes, construction of dams.
Household Application
Since ancient times, people not only admired the beauty of the lotus, but also actively used it for food and medicinal purposes, as one of the most valuable plants. Chinese healers prepared potions from it several thousand years before our era. Evidence of this was found during excavations of a Neolithic settlement in Bashidan (one of the very first in China). Its population did not just collect plants, the walnut lotus was actively cultivated. In the southeastern countries of Asia, it is grown now as a vegetable. Rhizomes rich in starch are eaten boiled, fried, raw and even pickled, grinded. Young leaves are used similarly to asparagus shoots. Seeds are sugared or made from flour. Leaf petioles contain sufficiently strong fibers that are used as a spinning material, wicks are made from them.
Medicinal value
Since ancient times, all parts of the plant have been used for the preparation of medicines. However, in India, Japan and some other countries this is still relevant today. Now it is scientifically proven that the walnut lotus (photo above) contains many alkaloids and flavonoids. In China, its seeds are part of more than two hundred drugs. The plant is mainly used as a cardiotonic, tonic, dietary and restorative remedy.
The nut-bearing lotus, whose properties are not only practical, but also aesthetic in nature, is one of the few relic plants that have survived to this day. It was created by nature in order to delight and heal people.