lotus leaf

A round leaf of the Nelumbo family (lotuses).

Young lotus leaves float on the surface of the water, but they rise above it as they mature. They have no notches unless they are damaged, which helps distinguish them from lily pads, which float on the water's surface and have a single notch in each leaf.

Because of their hydrophobic surface, lotus leaves are often depicted with water drops on them.

Examples

Young and weak lotus leaves usually float on the water's surface, especially during rain

Mature lotus leaves rise above the water's surface and are not notched unless damaged

Non-examples

Each common lily pad (Nymphaea) has a notch

Lily pads always float on the water's surface

See also

• Lotus pod
• Lotus root
• Water lily