National Flower of Sri Lanka

Blue Water Lily was chosen as the national flower of Sri Lanka in February 1986. The scientific name is Nymphaea stellata. In Sinhala it is known as Nil Manel. Ordinary sight throughout the island is revealing by the beauty of Blue Water Lily. 

This flower is considered a symbol of Purity and Truth. This is because of the fact that it grows in muddy water by spreading fragrant. Blue Water Lily thrives in shallow fresh waters, with no season for blooming in lakes, ponds or marsh land.

When reflect on the Blue Water Lily, its petals arranged like a star and the smooth round waterproof leaves that are in color of bright green. The flower is used for offering at Buddhist Temples and customs for God Vishnu. When taking the memory to past, Sigiriya frescoes of women hold these flowers in their hands.

There are numerous benefits of the Blue Water Lily Flower totally. Seeds and tubes are used as a vegetable by villagers while leave stem and flowers are used in herbal medicine. Also the dried flowers are used to make pillows. The flower blooms from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. almost the whole day. The flower blooms on a long stalk and floats on the water.

There are three types of Authentic Water Lilies in Sri Lanka which are Olu in White color, Nil Manel and the Nelum in pinkish white color. These several flowering plants show prominent versions to life in water in Sri Lanka. It has several local varieties which differ in size and shades. There are four sepals and numerous petals which differ in size and color. The petals are usually light whitish indigo.