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Derek Poehls
Horticulture Science Lab 211
Section 3
Dr. Chiwon Lee
Blue Lotus – Nymphaea caerulea
The Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), is often confused with the Blue Lily
(Agapanthus africanus), although they do not look at all similar. The Blue Lotus grows
on the surface of lakes and rivers. Much of the history of this flower is traced back to the
period of the ancient Egyptians. King Tutankhamen was found covered in the flowers
when the tomb was opened in the early 1920’s. The purpose of this has been much
debated. Some historians believe that the flowers were placed in just a symbol gesture,
however it is also thought that they might have used the flower to induce hallucinations
or other hypnotic states.
The Blue Lotus belongs to the Nymphacaea family, which also houses the WaterLilies. The plant has a few alternate common names such as the Egyptian lotus, the blue
water lily, and the sacred lily of the Nile. The flower is well known for its waxy leaves,
colorful flowers, and very aromatic scent. The lotus flower petals have a strange
tendency to sink below the water at night and resurface and bloom again the following
day. Many cultures were very much in awe of the beauty of the flower. It was used as a
symbol of status in India, due to it’s comparison with the beauty of the female form, as
well as their religion believing that their creator was born from the blossom of a lotus.