Lotus

Lotus is an aquatic plant that grows throughout India. It is one of the world's most celebrated flowers. The flowers have been sacred in Asia and the Middle East for over 5000 years and frequently occur in Hindu and Buddhist art and literature.
An oleograph of Padmini, the lotus lady, standing on a large lotus flower.
Ancient seeds
Lotus are the world's longest lived seeds. Lotus seeds can still germinate when they are 1300 years old.
Celebrated flowers
Lotus is one of South Asia's most celebrated flowers and symbolises eternity, plenty and good fortune. The flowers are used as offerings particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism. They are mentioned in Sanskrit scriptures.
Food!
Almost all parts of the lotus plant are edible and are eaten in Asia. The rhizomes, leaves, and flowers are used in savoury dishes and the seeds can be candied as sweet snacks. They can even be roasted to make puffy 'makhanas'.
Floating flowers
Lotus is an aquatic plant whose leaves and flowers rise above the water's surface while its roots are anchored to the pond bed.