Indian lotus in Smarjeske Toplice

In the middle of the Smarjeske toplice health resort park, where a botanical path lies, is a little lake which is supplied by a warm water spring. For a number of years a special species of vegetation grows in the lake that is locally very rare – the Indian lotus. In the summer the water surface is covered with waxed leaves above which over one hundred gentle pink flowers proudly rise.

In the summer mornings, at dawn, the lotus flowers slowly rise from the water and begin to open their pedals. In the heat of day the flowers in their full bloom shows off all of their beauty. When the sun sets the flower closes and sinks into the water from which it arises again the following morning. The lotus, apart from its beauty, unwithered life strength and virginity, also symbolizes the human spiritual growth which arises from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge.

This species of lotus grew around the world but today the Indian or red lotus grows naturally only in a few areas of Asia and Australia. Until now it was thought that the Indian lotus does not survive the winter outdoors which is the reason why the Indian lotus in Smarjeske toplice, which also gives shelter to numerous turtles and fish, is even more special and interesting.