Nelumbo Pond

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Posted 2014-01-19 by Paula McManus ⇒ follow

In the middle of the Adelaide Botanical Gardens is a beautiful pond, the .

At the moment, it's full of the most wonderful pale pink Sacred Lotus flowers. The summertime months bring the flowers to full bloom and the sight is simply breathtaking.

Cultural Significance
Hindus and Buddhists revere the lotus.

For centuries, the lotus has been a divine representation of sexual purity and non-attachment and a symbol of fertility, beauty and prosperity.

Just as Buddha's life was untainted by illusion and desire, so is the lotus - beautiful and unspoiled despite it's origins in the mud. It is believed that Buddha was born on a lotus leaf.

The Sacred Lotus is the national flower of India and Vietnam.

Hot Stuff
Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic herb with submerged horizontal stems.

Research at the in Adelaide by Adelaide University's Dr Roger Seymour found that the sacred lotus has an amazing self regulating thermometer. No matter what the air temperature is, the flower can maintain a very warm temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. Very similar to we humans. It is believed that the flower needs to stay warm to attract the insects needed to pollinate it.

The Lotus leaves have a self cleaning function too. When water falls on the surface of the leaf, it beads and rolls off, taking dirt with it.

Very clever!

Hungry?
Many parts of the Sacred lotus are edible including the rhizomes, young leaves, flowers, and the seeds.

The rhizomes and seeds are eaten in some Asian countries. The stamens are used in some medicines and the milky juice from the stalks is used in India to help with diarrhoea.

Very Old Seeds
The Sacred Lotus is native to eastern Asia and has been cultivated there since ancient times.

Seeds believed to be up to 450 years old have been recovered from a dry lake bed in China. The seeds were viable and were able to produce new plants, making them the oldest viable seeds known to man.

is a perfect spot for a picnic. There's a large lawned area where you can sit and enjoy the beautiful Lotus Flowers. Follow the path from the North Terrace entrance - it's a short walk in.

The Adelaide Botanic Gardens are located on North Terrace in Adelaide and are open 7 days a week - Weekdays from 7.15am and Weekends/public holidays at 9am. Closing times vary - check the website or signage within the gardens.

Entry is free. BYO picnic or stop in at one of the cafes for a coffee and something to eat. There are plenty of toilets in various spots within the gardens. Grab a map on your way in or download one from their website .

Car parking is available in Plane Tree Drive and Hackney Road. Prices vary for weekday and weekends.

Wheelchairs can be hired if required, but must be pre-booked. Call 8222 9311 if you wish to hire one.