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WATER LILY
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Water lily is the common name for more than 40 species of aquatic plants of the water lily family, Nymphaeceae. Some species are known as LOTUSES. Found throughout temperate and tropical regions, water lilies are characterized by large, nearly circular, leathery floating leaves and by white, yellow, pink, red, scarlet, blue, or purple flowers that float or are supported by stems above the water surface.
Water lilies are generally divided into two groups: tropicals, which are usually annuals and are further classified as day or night bloomers; and hardy varieties, which grow as perennials. The night-blooming tropicals are usually fragrant; the scent attracts insects for pollination.
Following the return of the rains, primitive peoples witnessed the rise of the undefiled water lily from the bottom of dried-up watercourses and considered the living blooms symbols of immortality and resurrection. The ancient Egyptians from the 4th dynasty greatly valued the sacred lotus, N. totus, in religious ceremonies and funerals.
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