the Scientific Name of Lotus

Q: What is the scientific name for lotus?

Answer:

The scientific name for lotus is “Nelumbo.

Q: Is “Nelumbo” the only scientific name for lotus?

Answer:

Yes, “Nelumbo” is the genus name for lotus plants. All lotus species belong to this genus. However, within the genus Nelumbo, there are two main species: Nelumbo nucifera, commonly known as the Indian lotus or sacred lotus, and Nelumbo lutea, known as the American lotus or yellow lotus.

Q: Is Nelumbo nucifera the only species of lotus?

Answer:

There are two main species of lotus in the Nelumbonaceae family: Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred or Indian lotus) and Nelumbo lutea (American lotus). Nelumbo nucifera is more commonly known and widely distributed in Asia, while Nelumbo lutea is native to North America.

Q: What does “Nelumbo nucifera” mean?

Answer:

• The genus name “Nelumbo” is derived from the Sinhalese name “Nelum” for lotus.
• The specific epithet “nucifera” comes from the Latin words “nux” (nut) and “fero” (to bear), referring to the plant’s characteristic large seed pods containing numerous seeds.

Q: How is Nelumbo nucifera different from the American lotus (Nelumbo lutea)?

Answer:

Nelumbo nucifera and Nelumbo lutea are similar in appearance but have some distinct differences. Nelumbo nucifera typically has larger flowers and leaves compared to Nelumbo lutea. Additionally, Nelumbo nucifera has a greater cultural and religious significance in Asian cultures, while Nelumbo lutea is an important aquatic plant in Native American traditions.

Scientific name of Lotus: Nelumbo nucifera is scientific name of the Lotus. Lotus belongs to the family Nelumbonaceae. The lotus is a perennial plant that often grows in ponds and lakes. It is known by different names like sacred lotus, Laxmi lotus, and Indian lotus. It has round leaves with a waxy coating that floats on the water’s surface. Lotus have deep cultural, religious, and symbolic significance in different regions of the world.