The green leaves of Indian Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) float on the water's surface or are held well above it. They are covered in tiny bumps called papillae, which are covered with tough, waxy tubes. This makes the leaves incredibly water-repellent, or hydrophobic, keeping them dry, and also removing dirt particles. The leaf stalks (petioles) can be up to two meters long, allowing the plant to grow in water to that depth. Other common names of this species included sacred lotus, Bean of India, Egyptian bean, water lily or simply lotus. This is one of two extant species of the family Nelumbonaceae.
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