Lotus Grown From 200-year-old Seed In Full Bloom At Kyoto's Byodoin Temple
The flowers of a lotus grown from a seed excavated from a layer of earth dating back about 200 years are now in full bloom at an ancient Buddhist temple in Kyoto Prefecture, western Japan. The temple places pots of lotus flowers around its precinct at this time of the year. One variety, called the Byodoin Temple Lotus, has successfully been grown from a seed obtained during excavation of a pond in the compound 25 years ago. Its flowers are white and have typically thin petals. The flowers are quite similar to those depicted on the ancient murals of Hou-ou-do, or Phoenix Hall, which is designated as a national treasure. The transparent whiteness of the blossoms helps clear the mind, according to Kamii Mansho, Head Priest of the Byodoin Temple.
