White lotus
(Nelumbo nucifera)
A symbol of purity and prosperity in China, the White Lotus displays its majestic flowers on the surface of the water.
This aquatic plant has two types of leaves: some are submerged, others form umbrellas placed on the water. The corollas of its petals shelter small edible seeds.
It is said that the maidens of the imperial era made a tea flavoured with Lotus. They placed tea leaves in the centre of the petals at sunset and collected them at dawn, enriched with its fragrance.
This beautiful plant also offers the skin its softening and soothing properties.