Lotus

When talking about lotus, different plants can be meant, depending on the context.

Historically seen, and because of the name, sometimes when talked about lotus the Egyptian lotus is meant.

The Egyptian lotus refers to either a water lily that has white flowers (Nymphaea lotus), or to the blue-flowered water lily (Nymphaea caerulea) which was the dominant lotus used in Egyptian art. Both are of the family Nymphaeaceae and they were sacred to the ancient Egyptians.

The blue lotus is also sometimes called “blue lily of the Nile” or “blue lotus of the Nile.” In this particular Edith Wharton story “the folded lotus of the Nile” is mentioned, which most likely refers to the blue Egyptian lotus. In Egyptian mythology, a lotus flower is a symbol often used for the sun, creation, and rebirth because it closes and sinks by night and rises and blooms again by day.

However, the lotus flowers of the genus Nelumbo are sometimes mistaken for the blue water-lily. Botanically seen, when talking about lotus, a kind of aquatic plant with the genus Nelumbo is meant, but lotus flowers of the lotus-lily family (Nelumbonaceae) are not related to the water lilies and also differ in structure. Lotus flowers are rooted in mud with rhizomes and float on the water without becoming wet. They have a water- and dirt-repellent leaf surface, which has inspired the term 'lotus effect'.

There are two aquatic plants of the genus Nelumbo:

First, the sacred lotus, or also called Indian Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera); this is the better known one. It can be found in Asia or Northern Australia and typically has dark pink or white-and-pink flowers. This species is sacred in India, and since the seeds and rhizomes are edible, it has been grown for medical uses.

Second the American lotus (Nelumbo lutea), which has yellow flowers and is found in eastern North America.

Moreover, the lotus is a legendary plant in the Greek mythology whose fruit induced a dreamy forgetfulness and an unwillingness to leave. This lotus was the species Ziziphus lotus, a bush native to southern Europe and of the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). It has fruits from which drinks and bread can be made.

A number of other plants can also be meant when talking about, having the word "lotus" in their scientific or common names. Any type of the various lotuses or similar plants, are often represented in Egyptian or classical sculpture, architecture, or art.

For more information about the blue water lily see:

Link1

If you want to know more about "lotus" in general follow:

Link 2