Difference Between Lily and Lotus

Lily vs Lotus

Everyone has seen beautiful lilies and lotuses in ponds but without knowing which one is a lily and which one is a lotus. Is it possible to differentiate a lily from a lotus by just looking at them? Yes, it is possible and very easy to tell which one is a lily and which one is a lotus.

One of the easiest ways to differentiate a lily and a lotus from a distance is by looking at the leaves. The leaves of the lily sit flat on the water whereas the leaves of the lotus rise above the water about four feet above the water level. Moreover, the lily flowers float on the water surface whereas the lotus flowers just emerge out of the water. These are the simple ways by which a lily and a lotus can be differentiated from a distance.

When talking in a scientific manner, the lily belongs to the aquatic group of flowering plants which belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. Lotus, which is scientifically called Nelumbo belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family.

Another difference that can be seen between a lily and a lotus is in the carpel or the female part. Unlike the lily flower, the lotus has a barrel-shaped carpel that is embedded in an expanded receptacle. The lotus flower also has an androecial ring which is a distinguishing feature of the lotus.

Lotus plants produce rose or white flowers whereas the lily flowers come in white and pink colors. The lily flowers are known to come with many petals when compared to a lotus.

Lily plants grow in muddy waters such as ponds and shallow streams. Lotuses grows in shallow ponds and swamps.

Summary:

1.The leaves of the lily sit flat on the water whereas the leaves of the lotus rise above the water about four feet above the water level.
2.The lily flowers float on the water surface whereas the lotus flowers just emerge out of the water.
3.Lily belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family, and the lotus, which is scientifically called Nelumbo, belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family.
4.Lotus plants produce rose or white flowers whereas the lily flowers come in white and pink colors.
5.Lily plants grow in muddy waters such as ponds and shallow streams. Lotuses grow in shallow ponds and swamps.
6.Unlike the lily flower, the lotus has a barrel-shaped carpel that is embedded in an expanded receptacle.
7.The lotus flower also has an androecial ring which is a distinguishing feature of the lotus.

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