Differences Between Lotus & Water Lilies

The lotus and water lilies are sometimes thought to be the same plant. While they are both aquatic plants from the same family, Nymphaeaceae, certain features differentiate them from one another.

The lotus plant, also called the sacred lotus, has long stems and disc-shaped leaves that grow up to 35 inches wide. The rose- or white-colored flowers are large with many petals. Round or oval seeds are produced in central large pods by this plant; according to the "American Journal of Botany,' they are considered to be the oldest demonstrably viable seeds in the world. Seeds found in China that were tested using carbon dating and found to be as old as 1,288 years old, give or take 200 years, were successfully germinated and are still growing, since March,1994. The water lily produces large white, sometimes pink flowers, with many petals and yellow centers with large, round, green leaves. The plant produces fruit capsules full of seeds that are produced after the flowers are spent.

The lotus is a perennial water plant that grows in shallow ponds and swamps with stems securely rooted in mud and sometimes raises the leaves and always raises the flowers above water. Water lilies are perennial water plants that grow in muddy waters such as ponds and slow streams up to 7 feet deep. The lily's roots are implanted in the mud and the leaves and flowers rest on the surface of the water.

Lotus are indigenous to southern Asia and Australia. Early remains of water lilies from pre-Ice Age Europe have been found. Fragrant water lilies grow in eastern regions of North America including Canada. They are native to the Amazon region as well. Water lilies are also referenced in pictures from ancient Egypt and China.