The flowers of the sacred lotus are symbols of purity and divine birth closely linked with the teachings of the historical Buddha. The plants are rich in dietary fiber and vitamins, and people have consumed the petals, stamens, leaves, seeds, and roots for thousands of years. Lotus seeds are classified as astringents, which constrict body tissues, and are considered beneficial for the spleen, kidney, and heart. Moreover, the seeds are highly resilient. According to the American Journal of Botany, a 14th-century lotus seed was recovered from an ancient lake bed in China, becoming one of the oldest germinated seeds on record. (Nelumbo nucifera)
Photograph by Alan Whittemore, U. S. National Arboretum
