Economic Botany Collection

Catalogue no.:

71 (temporary)

Botanical classification:

NELUMBONACEAE Nelumbo nucifera

Common name:

Lotus

Geographical description:

India

Item description:

Mala

Length:

197cm

No. of beads:

108

Bead size:

0.8cm

Additional information:

The lotus is an important symbol in Hindu religion and for Buddhists it represents purity. 'Mala' means garland and the number of beads represents the 108 names of Vishnu to Hindus or the symbols on the soles of Buddha's foot to Buddhists.

Plant information:

An aquatic plant with a spread up to 2.5m, native to India and Indonesia.

Collection date:

December 2000

Donor:

Ruth Smith has spent many years collecting botanical jewellery from around the world and donated her large collection to Kew in 2005. It numbers over 200 items, made from various plant parts such as seeds and bark, from a wide range of species.