Nymphaea lotus

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Nymphaea lotus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Nymphaeales Family: Nymphaeaceae Genus: Nymphaea Species: N. lotus
Binomial name
Nymphaea lotus L.

Nymphaea lotus, the Tiger Lotus or Egyptian White Water-lily, is a flowering plant of the family Nymphaeaceae that grows in various parts of East Africa and Southeast Asia. It is known to flower at night and close in the morning and remains of the flower have been found in the burial tomb of Ramesses II.

This species of water lily has lily pads which float on the water, and blossoms which rise above the water.

Nymphaea lotus is often used as an aquarium plant. Sometimes it is grown for its flowers, while other aquarists prefer to trim the lily pads, and just have the underwater foliage.

It is a perennial, grows to 45 cm in height, and prefers clear, warm, still and slightly acidic waters. The color of the flower is white and sometimes tinged with pink.

[edit] Egyptian beliefs

The ancient Egyptians believed that the lotus flower gave them strength and power.

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Nymphaea lotus