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Symbolising pure and divine beauty
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The lotus plant purifies water in the most natural manner as it can absorb heavy metals
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LOVELY LOTUS The lotus is revered and favoured
Lotus (Kamal), the `National Flower' of India, is deeply associated with Hindu mythology and culture since time immemorial. It is the symbol of purity, beauty and divinity.
The only member of Nelumbonaceae flowering plant family, Nelumbo nucifera or the lotus is an important wetland species of the aquatic flora of India.
Records confirm that the lotus is indigenous to India was introduced to the outside world by Indian traders.
In India, the flower has enormous diversity with a large number of variants in different shapes, shades, and sizes ranging from 16-160 petals.
Propagation
Lotus plant has a long, branched stem, which grows above the bottom bed of the pond. This rhizomatous stem produces flowers and leaves on long stout stalks, which stand erect above water surface. It is propagated by the division of rhizomes and by seeds. Rhizomes with new sprouts are cut into small pieces with at least three nodes. Seeds are scarified at both the ends with the help of sand paper for early germination. Seeds are known to possess the maximum period of viability among all the flowering plant species. They can be stored for several years at room temperature. On germination they give rise to a seedling with two leaves within one and a half months.
Ponds or similar stagnant water bodies with good sunny ambience can be used for growing of lotus. Before planting, water is decanted and the pond is cleaned. To this, a mixture of clay, red soil and farm yard manure (2:1:1) are filled up to a height of 50cms. Water is added to this mix and is kneaded into slurry, which is used as a medium for planting the lotus. Rhizome pieces are planted horizontally 10cm deep in the bed keeping the sprouts on upper side. The scarified seeds are also used for propagation of lotus. When the plant starts growing and after new leaves are formed, water can be slowly filled into the pond. The water level in the pond has to be maintained around one to 1.5mts. After one year of growth, dried powdered cow dung soaked in water can be applied as manure. Urea or 17:17:17 can be used, if no fishes are reared in the pond. Within 1 to 2 years, lotus has a tendency to spread and to completely fill the pond. To remedy this, lotus can also be maintained in large plastic or concrete tubs, which are kept at the middle of the pond. This cultural practice is same as with ponds. The planting mixture is filled to three-fourth of the tub with a minimum depth of 40cms. This method can check the overgrowth of lotus in water bodies. Lotus produces more flowers during summer season. Direct sunlight and warm climate are required for the buds to open. The flowers have a delicate, pleasant fragrance and will last on the plant for 2-3 days.
From the ancient medicinal literature, Lotus has been reported in several Ayurvedic formulations as sweet, cooling, astringent, demulcent useful in weakness resulting from diarrhoea; to reduce burning sensation during fever and also in curing common cold. The flowers are commended as cardio tonic, as well as a cure for liver, urinary and venereal disorders. The seeds are highly valued in conception, blood disorders and as cooling medicine. The leaves and rhizomes in powdered form are prescribed for the treatment of piles. Aravindasavam, Thriphaladithailam,
Drashadikashayam are some of the Ayurvedic preparations with lotus as the chief ingredient.
The rhizomes and fresh seeds are edible and cooked for the preparation of several delicious dishes. The farinaceous rhizomes are edible and sold in the vegetable market. The leaves are used as plates in rural areas for serving the food. Lotus flowers are in great demand in the floriculture market.
Investigations have revealed that the lotus plants can absorb heavy metals and may be recommended for water purification in the most natural manner.
Further, the lotus can be planted in tubs and placed inside swimming pools, which will provide additional beauty to the pool and purify the water naturally, without usage of harmful chlorides.
JACOB VARGHESE
(jacobkunthara@sancharnet.in)
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