nelumbo nucifera

One of the largest and most beautiful representatives of the coastal flora. He prefers ponds with stagnant water and rivers with a small current. In favorable conditions the lotus forms extensive thickets. During flowering, huge pink flowers rise to a height of two meters above the water and against a background of wide bright green leaves are an unforgettable sight.

The flower is semi-double, large, on a high peduncle. The color varies from white to bright - scarlet. The shape resembles a water lily, but the petals are broader and less acute.

When the flower is fully open, the pestle opens, has a flat shape. Around it are stamens with large yellow anthers. It has a pleasant scent. At night, the flower closes.

One flower forms several large seeds with a dense membrane, which, when the fetus ripens, can protect the embryo of the plant from drying out and lowering the temperature. Germination lasts for decades.

It is listed in the Red Book of Russia (category - rare species).