When does the twin lotus flower bloom, what does it symbolize, and what related poems are there?
The twin lotus belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. It produces two flowers from a single stem, each flower having its own calyx, with the calyces joined together on the flower stem. It is also called the twin-headed lotus, twin-hearted hibiscus, joyous lotus, and auspicious lotus. It is a rare treasure among lotuses, with a probability of occurrence of only about one in one hundred thousand. So when does the twin lotus bloom? What does it symbolize? What poems are there about the twin lotus?
The growth process of the twin lotus
During the growth process of a lotus, it generally forms only one flower bud and one meristematic center, producing one flower. If stimulated by some special external environmental condition, or by a special internal mutation, the flower bud borne on a single stem may differentiate into two meristematic centers, and then develop two flower buds like twins, thereby forming two calyces on a single flower stalk and blooming two flowers, bearing a pair of lotus seed pods. This is the twin lotus.
When does the twin lotus bloom?
The twin lotus is a rare treasure among lotuses, with a probability of occurrence of one in one hundred thousand. It is a once-in-a-decade “twin” among plants. Its genetic mechanism is still under research and cannot yet be replicated. Heredity. Lotus experts have repeatedly conducted cultivation experiments using lotus roots that had grown twin lotus flowers and lotus seeds from twin lotus seed pods, but the results failed to produce twin lotus flowers, confirming that it is not hereditary and can only occur naturally.
So it is the same as the lotus, with a flowering period from June to September.
On June 12, the first twin lotus of the “space lotus” variety discovered this year in Guigang City attracted many photographers and visitors to photograph and admire it, adding a festive atmosphere to the upcoming 32nd National Lotus Exhibition.
The symbolic meaning of the twin lotus
The twin lotus is known as the “gentleman among flowers” and is the finest among lotuses, symbolizing a harmonious union lasting a hundred years and two hearts joined as one.
The twin lotus, with a single stem and two blooming flowers, can be said to symbolize shared hearts, shared roots, shared fortune, and shared life.
In ancient literary works, the twin lotus is praised as a symbol of love, implying conjugal affection and happy fulfillment, and symbolizing the deep entanglement of romantic love between men and women; as well as brotherhood and deep mutual affection.
In folk legend, the appearance of the twin lotus is an auspicious sign.
Poems about the twin lotus
1. A Cluster of Flowers · Ode to the Twin Lotus
Qing Dynasty: Nalan Xingde
The jade pendants fade as the rainbow garments end, facing each other they coil their red adornments. Lotus-root threads carry them on the wind across the waves, then bowing their heads, they softly confer. One kind of deep feeling, ten parts bitter heart, silently facing the slanting sun.
Color and fragrance spent, they turn to generate fragrance anew, beneath the bright moon on the small silver pond. Peach roots and peach leaves finally keep each other company, accompanied diligently by paired sleeping mandarin ducks. Wild rice grains drift and scatter, heavy clouds suddenly darken, sharing one dream sent to Xiaoxiang.
2. Green Pods Twin Lotus (Reflections on Yangzhou)
Song Dynasty: Zhou Bangyan
Drunk, I gaze intently. It is late autumn on the Chu skies, distant shores where clouds have cleared. Grass green and lotuses red, reflected on the small sandbar. In the fragrance of water caltrop and lotus at the mandarin duck inlet, I resent the water chestnut song that startles the sleeping gulls. Gazing at departing sails, a stretch of lake light, the creaking of oars and the soft sound of sculls.
Sorrowfully I glimpse the slender willows on the Bian embankment, which once danced to send off the orioles, with brocade cables and dragon boats. Embracing a beauty with slender waist and white teeth, laughing as she leans on the Maze Pavilion. In vain the night moon over the Five Lakes is made to shamefully illuminate the autumn of thirty-six palaces. Just as I chant wildly, unwittingly turning back the oar, water flowers and wind-blown leaves both drift endlessly.
3. Green Pods Twin Lotus
Song Dynasty: Zhan Yu
Drunk, I gaze intently. It is autumn dawn on the Chu skies, the Xiang shores where clouds have cleared. Grass green and orchids red, on the shallow small sandbar. In the fragrance of water caltrop and lotus at the mandarin duck inlet, I resent the water chestnut song that startles the sleeping gulls. Gazing at departing sails, a single solitary light, the creaking of oars and the soft sound of sculls.
Sorrowfully I glimpse the emerald willows on the Bian embankment, which once danced to send off that time, with brocade cables and dragon boats. Embracing a beauty with slender waist and white teeth, laughing as she leans on the Maze Pavilion. In vain the night moon over the Five Lakes is made to shamefully illuminate the autumn of thirty-six palaces. Just as I recite aloud, unwittingly turning back the oar, water flowers and maple leaves both drift endlessly.
4. Night Traveling Boat (Given to Zhao Meihuo)
Song Dynasty: Wu Wenying
The jade well and clear ripples are as small as a mirror. The carved lattice is clean, half without a speck of dust. The ancient incense burner is deeply fragrant, the palace jar flowers are changed, keeping the four seasons beautiful.
Upstairs the brows like distant mountains and clouds are graceful. Fragrant quilt dreams, always sparse in the clear dawn. Twin lotuses bloom, the joyous screen is warm, and the jade water clock urges the morning early again.
5. Celebrating the Eastern Plain_ Wind and Moon Office Raises Questions
Yuan Dynasty: Wang Ye
The Wind and Moon Office raises questions, Ruyang records Huang Zhao's withdrawal statement
The flying swallows, the twin lotus, even with the heart wishing to become a married couple. Cannot bear the twin-born stubborn mouthful of meat, cannot withstand Feng Kui's quarreling and boasting, cannot be as sweet as Su Shi's random fanning. Just settle accounts at the Lichun Garden, and avoid being sent to the Compassion Field Home.