Sacred Lotus

Description:

This massive lotus can grow taller than a dozen feet and has enormous leaves and blossoms. Leaves may be nearly three feet across and the blossoms may be 10 inches across. Blossoms are a pink/rose color. Leaves may lay flat on the water or may be held several feet above the water.

Habitat:

Shallow, freshwater marshes and calm water.

Notes:

I don't remember exactly the date that I took these photos, but it was in late February of 1993 when I was working at the Tram Chim National Park in Viet Nam's Mekong River delta. These blossoms were simply breathtaking, as were the plants themselves. I've added a photo of my interpreter standing amidst the leaves and holding a bud so you can get a idea of the size of these plants.