Lotus

A common water plant known as Lotus or Water-lily. This flower is also associated with the Indian God Brahma who is often seen placed on this flower. They begin to grow in early April. During mid and late May, the leaves start growing above the water; in early and mid-June, blooming starts. In late June and mid-August, they reach full bloom.

Lotus plants are adapted to grow in the flood plains of slow-moving rivers and delta areas. Stands of lotus drop hundreds of thousands of seeds every year to the bottom of the pond. While some sprout immediately, and most are eaten by wildlife, the remaining seeds can remain dormant for an extensive period of time as the pond silts in and dries out. During flood conditions, sediments containing these seeds are broken open, and the dormant seeds rehydrate and begin a new lotus colony.