Lotus more genuine

Nelumbo speciosum is a perennial and herbaceous aquatic plant with rhizomes, from the plant family of the lotus plants (Nelumbonaceae). Only two species of this plant family are known. The large leaves are shield-shaped. The large white or pink, calyx-shaped flowers have numerous carpels. They have a strong, narcotic, sweetish smell, which is due to 1,4-dimethoxybenzene. 1,4-dimethoxybenzene is the main component of essential oil.

The roots, fruits, seeds and stems of the lotus plant can be eaten. The fibres of the stems and leaves can be spun into lotus silk. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally and cosmetically (INCI designation: Nelumbo speciosum extract).
The strongly scented extract from the flowers of the lotus plant (INCI designation: Nelumbo speciosum extract) Nelumbo speciosum extract is also used in cosmetic formulations. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), the dried seed of Nelumbo speciosum is the parent plant of Nelumbinis semen (indication: diarrhoea, impotence, infertility; stabilizes the yin). In Ayurvedic medicine, the lotus flower root is used under the name of "Nelumbinis radix" for bleeding, coughing, meteorism, nausea and vomiting.

The leaves of the lotus are liquid-repellent due to their special structure, so that water beads up on the surface. This keeps the leaves always clean. No fungi or other organisms can spread on them (lotus effect).