Flowering plants that annually attracts thousands of tourists around the globe.From exotic Thailand, Japan, China to Astrakhan region.Even organized special tours and excursions.Huge white or pink flowers sacred lotus bloom for a couple of days, but the show is with nothing comparable.
sacred lotus: Description
This type is defined as a herbaceous perennial amphibious plant belonging to the family of the same name, and lotus old.It has a rhizome, which is addressed in the thick stems underwater, fixed in the ground.The plant belongs to the relict tropical species, and therefore is of great interest not only to botanists.Sacred lotus has two types of leaves: scaly underwater and floating or lifted high above the water.They have a rounded, funnel-shaped and long, flexible petioles, the diameter of 50-70 cm. The bright green leathery leaves are covered with thick wax coating and, therefore, are not wetted and water drops roll off them.
Like when the lotus blooms?
One of the most striking features that have sacred lotus (pictured above) - is its color.They are very large (25-30 cm in diameter) and spectacular.Above the surface of the water, they rise in a straight pedicel have obconical wide receptacle, surrounded by many petals delicate pink color (in the cultivated forms - white), in the heart is full of bright yellow stamens.The flower has a subtle pleasant aroma.The receptacle depressions formed fruits - nuts (this causes the name) a length of about 1.5 cm, they have dense woody pericarp.
Geography growth
modern area of growth is very extensive.Sacred lotus prefers a warm climate with high humidity.Most of the plant is common in temperate and tropical regions of Asia (including India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Iran, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, and so on. D.).In Russia, lotus can be seen in the lower reaches of the Amur River in the Far East, the basins of the Zeya, Tunguska, Ussuri, Bureya, island Puryatina, Khanka plain coast of the Azov and Caspian Seas.
How sacred lotus sprout?
in European gardens exotic guest appeared only in the late 18th century.It was used for decorating small ponds, tanks outdoors, and if allowed to climate - and in greenhouses.Perhaps the most spectacular and dazzling plants for the pond - a sacred lotus.Growing from seed is quite real.It is known that they have a remarkable ability to germinate even after 150 and 200 years after having been collected.
To quickly sprouted nut, its shell should be lightly rubbed with sandpaper or a nail file, that is, cause mechanical damage.Then place the seeds in a jar with water and place it in a sunny place.The process of germination surprising him very interesting to watch.First, the shell bursts thick walnut, then one by one begin to appear small leaves, and after about 20-25 days - thin roots.
Landing sacred lotus
young plants or planted in pots and place in a container with water or directly into the pond.Remember that the fragile leaves should float on the surface.In addition to seed multiplication method may also divide the rhizomes.Whatever you choose, it should be done in March and April.
To grow sacred lotus open artificial reservoirs, prepare special soil, a mixture of mud, sand and a small amount of gravel and clay.In greenhouses plant grows in pots.The optimum level of water for 30-40 cm lotus is considered. It should be a soft, clean.It is desirable to have a filter either have to periodically add or completely replace the water.
Home snag growing - in the climate.He prefers the southern regions, where feels good rice, grapes, watermelons and so. D. The plant has a long growing season.He constantly need sunlight, heat, high humidity and temperature of the water within 25-30 ° C.
history and limiting factors
first notes of sacred lotus as the one of the genus lilies were made by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.A few years later (1763) French naturalist M. Adanson allocated to a separate group of plants.Now the genus is represented by only two species: American sacred lotus and yellow.
Lotus for centuries revered in most (if not all) of the countries of Southeast Asia as a sacred plant.He played a major role in various ceremonies, rituals, traditions.Evidence of this is the ancient monuments, literature, art.In India, all of our Earth is in the form of a large lotus flower which bloomed on the surface of the water.The gods were depicted sitting or standing on it.And to this day the temples and sacred places are decorated with amazingly beautiful lotus flowers as a symbol of purity and nobility (he grows out of dirty mud, but at the same time he is always white).
in Russian sacred lotus is listed in the Red Book, in the category of endangered species.Factors contributing to the decline in population, are: drainage and water pollution, the collection of roots and flowers for ornamental and food purposes, the construction of dams.
Commercial use
Since ancient times, people are 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 from a drug has a few thousand years BC.Evidence of this were found during excavations at the Neolithic settlement Bashidane (one of the first in China).Its population is not just to collect plants, sacred lotus actively cultivated.In Southeast Asia it is grown as a vegetable now.The rhizomes rich in starch, are eaten boiled, fried, raw or even pickled, milled.Young leaves are used similarly to asparagus.Seeds candy or prepare them flour.Petioles contain sufficiently strong fibers are used as a spinning material wicks are manufactured.
medicinal value
From ancient times all parts of the plant used to prepare medicines.However, in India, Japan and some other countries it is true to this day.Who it is scientifically proven that the sacred lotus (pictured 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, diet and fortifying agent.
sacred lotus, whose properties are not only practical but also aesthetic character - one of the few relict plants surviving.It was created by nature to admire and to heal people.
