The lotus is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 6.5-15 centimeters. It has a smooth texture overall. The rhizome is short and the fine roots are in a strip shape, pale yellow in color. The stems rise obliquely from the leaf cluster, usually with 3-5 branches. The basal leaves are in the shape of a lotus seat, with lanceolate leaf blades measuring 5-8 centimeters in length. They are slightly fleshy, have indistinct 3-veined patterns, and are entire margined without petioles. The stem leaves are also lanceolate, measuring 2.2-4 centimeters in length. The lowermost leaves are less than 1.5 centimeters long and have a short sheath at the base. The plant produces 3-7 flowers, clustered at the top of the stem. The calyx tube is 5-lobed and lanceolate in shape. The corolla is bell-shaped, light purple-blue in color, with 5 shallow lobes. The corolla lobes have triangular folds and are symmetrical. There are 5 stamens attached to the corolla tube. The ovary is superior, with one chamber and numerous ovules. The style is short with 2 nearly stalkless stigmas. The fruit is elongated and splits into 2 valves when mature. The flowering period is from September to October, and the fruiting period is from October to November.
【The Efficacy and Functions of Lotus】:
Clears heat and detoxifies; promotes diuresis. It is used to treat convulsions in children, red eyes, sore throat, hepatitis, dysentery, gonorrhea, purulent osteomyelitis, carbuncles and boils, and snakebites.
【Pictures of Lotus】:
Lotus
Lotus
Lotus
Lotus
