What is the scientific name of lotus flower? The Lotus flower scientific name is Nelumbo nucifera.
The lotus flower, whose scientific name is Nelumbo nucifera, is a remarkable and primitive plant that has been recognized for its spiritual, medicinal, and ecological advantages. Sacred lotus is the most preferred name to refer to this plant, which is still widely used in Asian culture, medicine, and cuisine. Knowing the lotus scientific name, Latin origin, and botanical classification sheds light on the exceptional characteristics of this flower.
What is the scientific name of lotus flower?
The lotus scientific name is Nelumbo nucifera. Nelumbo is derived from a Sinhala word that means “blue water lily.”
Nucifera is a Latin term that means “nut-bearing,” and it refers to the plant’s seed pods.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nelumbo | Derived from a Sri Lankan word meaning aquatic plant |
| Nucifera | A Latin word meaning “nut-bearing” |
Thus, the lotus flower’s scientific name refers to a water plant that yields edible seeds.
Pronunciation:
- Nelumbo nucifera is pronounced as:
- neh-LUM-bo new-SI-fe-rah
Biological Classification of Lotus Flower
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clade | Tracheophytes |
| Clade | Angiosperms |
| Clade | Eudicots |
| Order | Proteales |
| Family | Nelumbonaceae |
| Genus | Nelumbo |
| Species | nucifera |
The lotus flower is kept in its own separate family.
Lotus Flower Age and History
How Old Is the Lotus Flower?
The lotus has the honor of being one of the most ancient plants still existing on our planet; it has been around for more than 140 million years.
Why Lotus Is Not a Water Lily:
Despite their resemblance, lotus and water lily are different. The former is classified as Nelumbonaceae, and the latter is in Nymphaeaceae, which is the family of water lilies.
Cultural History
- In Egypt, the lotus was a symbol of rebirth
- In India, it was a symbol of purity
- In Buddhism, it was a symbol of enlightenment
Lotus Flower Size and Physical Features
Average Size of Lotus Plant:
- Height: 3 to 6 feet
- Leaf diameter: up to 24 inches
- Flower width: 8 to 12 inches
Unique Structure:
The lotus plant develops in mud, yet its petals remain spotless because of a naturally occurring self-cleaning surface phenomenon known as the lotus effect.
