Lotuses are 5 species of water lilies, three in the genus Nymphaea and two in Nelumbo; both genera are members of the water-lily family. They grow in shallow waters such as the ones in ponds and natural fountains; their broad leaves and bright fragrant flowers always float. These flowers have many petals, in average 15, overlapping in symmetrical patterns. The plant also has long stems containing air cavities - the root functions are carried out by rhizomes that fan horizontally through the mud below the waterline.
The lotus is considered a symbol of beauty, prosperity and fertility. According to Hinduism, within each human inhabiting the earth is the spirit of the sacred flower. It represents eternity, purity and divinity and is widely used as a representation of life, ever-renewing youth and also to describe feminine beauty, especially the eyes.

Other common names for this token are Blue Lotus, Egyptian Lotus, Blue Water Lily and Sacred Narcotic Lily of the Nile. Nymphaea Lotus, the white type, is believed to be the original sacred lotus of ancient Egypt. This and the blue lotus, Nimphaea Caerulea, were often pictured in ancient Egyptian art as a key to good health, sex, and rebirth. The white lotus opens at dusk, the blue water lilly opens in the morning.
For Buddhists, lotus symbolizes the most exalted state of man: his head held high, pure and undefiled in the sun, his feet rooted in the world of experience.
Mystic qualities and powers: rejuvenation, conservation and recuperation of inner and outer beauty, ageing stopper.
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