The lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera 'Chawan Basu')

The lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera 'Chawan Basu') is blooming in the center of the rose garden. This species is a sacred symbol in many religions, representing perfection, purity and spiritual elevation. Often mistaken for water lilies, these plants are actually very different from them, having Plane trees as their closest phylogenetic relatives.