'Zhizun Qianban': A Recognition of an Obscure Lotus (Nelumbo) Cultivar with an Interesting Legend

Lotus, often confused with botanical Lotus Linn. in the legume family, is the common name of Nelumbo Adans. (Nelumbonaceae), which has only two species, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. native to Asia and N. lutea Willd. native to America and the Caribbean sea region. As a result of its diverse germplasm and a long history of lotus cultivation and breeding activities, China has bred the greatest number of lotus cultivars in the world (Tian and Tilt, 2010). In the past 30 years, many cultivars have been recognized or rediscovered, particularly in the suburbs and rural regions. Nelumbo nucifera ‘Zhizun Qianban’ is a newly named cultivar discovered in southern China in 2009 and registered by the International Waterlily and Water Garden Society in 2010. It is a large-sized lotus with a double pink flower composed of up to 1650 petals. It can be planted in ornamental ponds, containers, or grown potentially as a cut flower.