Krishna Kamal Plant

Description

1. Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Nymphaea nouchali (also referred to as Nymphaea stellata in some classifications)

• Common Names: Krishna Kamal, Blue Water Lily, Star Lotus

• Family: Nymphaeaceae

• Type: Aquatic perennial flowering plant

2. Origin & Distribution

• Native To: India and Sri Lanka

• Widely found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers across tropical and subtropical Asia.

3. Physical Characteristics

• Height & Spread: Floats on water; leaves and flowers rise slightly above the water surface.

• Leaves: Circular, green, waxy leaves with a slightly notched edge, floating on water.

• Flowers: Star-shaped or cup-shaped deep blue to violet flowers with yellow stamens at the center.

• Blooming Period: Blooms during morning hours, usually in summer; flowers close by afternoon or evening.

• Roots & Rhizomes: Anchored in muddy pond beds through thick rhizomes.

4. Growing Conditions

• Light: Requires full sunlight for healthy flowering.

• Soil: Grows in muddy or silty pond bottoms, rich in organic matter.

• Watering: Aquatic plant; thrives submerged in still or slow-moving water 15–30 cm deep.

• Temperature: Prefers tropical to subtropical climates, sensitive to frost.

• Humidity: Naturally grows in high humidity near water bodies.

5. Maintenance & Care

• Planting: Rhizomes should be planted in sunken pots or directly in pond mud.

• Fertilization: Organic compost or aquatic plant fertilizer enhances flower production.

• Pests/Diseases: Generally hardy; occasional snail or aphid infestations may occur.

• Propagation: Easily propagated through rhizome division.

6. Uses & Benefits

• Ornamental Value: Popular for ponds, water gardens, and decorative aquariums due to striking blue flowers.

• Cultural & Religious Significance: Sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism; associated with purity and divinity.

• Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used in Ayurveda for fever, inflammation, and digestive issues.

• Environmental Benefits: Provides habitat for aquatic life and helps oxygenate water bodies.

7. Lifespan

• Perennial aquatic plant; can thrive for several years if grown in suitable conditions.