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| Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner) | |
When we think of Indian flowers, we think first of the lotus, our National Flower.
In the myths, legends, poetry and music of our ancient people, the lotus has always figured as a symbol of beauty, perfection and sanctity. The flower has been widely used in rituals, as motifs in architectural decoration, in beautiful designs in jewellery, in pottery, embroidery, painting and sculpture.
A full-blown lotus flower measures 30 centimetres across. The many fragrant petals are usually in lovely shades of pastel-pink. although red and white forms of lotus are not uncommon., The so called 'Blue Lotus of India', however, is not a lotus but a water-lily.
At the centre of the flower are numerous golden stamens surrounding a top-shaped yellow torus, in which are embedded 10-30 seeds. The saucer-shaped glaucous leaves measure 60-90 centimetres across and are borne, like the, flowers, well above water on prickly stalks. The seeds and the underground white or buff-orange rhizomes are edible.
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| Issued Country | India |
| Issued Year | 1999 |
| Category | Buddhist Symbol |
| Type | Postage Stamps |