Lotus is also known as Sacred Lotus, Chinese Lotus and Sacred Water Lily. This is one of the sacred plants of India. The flower is exquisitely beautiful and the petals are widely used as an astringent. Dried flower pods are the shaped like pepper pots and are striking in flower arrangements. Every part of the plant may be used medicinally. Lotus is a native to Asia and tropical Australia. A semi aquatic plant. It prefers ponds and slow moving waters in warn conditions, in a protected sunny position. Produces pink or white flowers in summer. Drought and frost tender. A rhizome based perennial plant, growing to 1.5m above the level of the water.