Missouri Botanical 
Garden Bulletin 
Vol. XI MARCH, 1923 No. 3 
THE TRUE SACRED EGYPTIAN LOTUS OF THE NILE 
Among the various articles reported as having been found 
in the tomb of Tutankhamen reference has repeatedly been 
made to floral wreaths and bunches of flowers. Although 
nearly every sort of scientist seems to have been present at 
the opening of the tomb, the botanist was apparently not con- 
sidered necessary, and consequently no definite knowledge is 
available as to the actual identity of the flowers associated in 
the burial of the king. The finding of these floral offerings 
has revived the interest in the so-called sacred Egyptian lotus, 
and the Garden is receiving many inquiries as to where the 
plant may be obtained and what it is; for in spite of the 
unanimity of opinion among archeologists and botanists as to 
the true sacred Egyptian lotus considerable confusion exists 
in the popular mind respecting this flower. 
Many believe that the Hindoo sacred lotus, Nelumbo nuci- 
fera, which is found growing in association with Buddhist 
temples, is the sacred lotus of the ancient Egyptians. This 
plant is not a true water-lily despite the fact that it grows in 
water. Its subterranean roots produce tall leaf stems three 
feet or more above the water and are terminated by a con- 
cave circular leaf. The pink flowers are extended above the 
leaves upon long cylindrical stems, later producing a peculiar 
pitted fruit not unlike the end of an ordinary watering-can. 
The seeds, suggesting an olive seed in shape, are embedded 
in each opening. Recently these peculiar seed-pods have be- 
come familiar cbjects in florists’ shops, where after being dried 
and treated with bronze, gold, or colored paints, they are sold 
for decorative purposes. The native water-lily Nelumbo 
lutea, or as it is commonly ealled, the American lotus or 
chinkapin, is the chief source of this supply. The Hindoo 
lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) has become naturalized in Japan, 
presumably having been introduced from India by the 
ancients. The Japanese grow this plant for its edible tubers 
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