Nelumbo nucifera (see photo, right) is considered to be a particularly sacred variety of lotus among Buddhists due to its significant links with the faith and the concept of enlightenment. These important religious links mean that many Thai people consider lotuses to be auspicious plants, which they're happy to cultivate within their homes or gardens. Traditional practitioners of Thai medicine believe that the plant offers some medicinal benefits. For example, it's thought that the plant's rhizome can provide some relief in the treatment of aphthous ulcers, diarrhea and hemorrhoids. A Dramatic Display But at the Lotus Museum at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, it's lotuses' astounding beauty that's really brought to the fore. Based on a 20-rai (3.2-hectare) plot of land, the Lotus Museum includes over 150 varieties of lotuses sourced from around the world. The best time to visit is between 9-10 am, since this generally tends to be the coolest time of day. Since some varieties of lotus are at their best during the nighttime and others during the day, this period also provides the perfect compromise. In addition, officials from the museum point out that the plants' blossoms tend to be at their most impressive during these early morning hours.
The outdoor museum includes four large ponds and several large earthenware jars. The most interesting of these attractions is the fourth pond towards the rear of the site, where you can find thriving examples of Jongkolnee (see photo, right), the country's oldest variety of lotus. Jongkolnee, which is native to Thailand and cannot be found elsewhere, was discovered during the Sukhothai era (1238-1584). The plant's most outstanding feature is its complex tiers of light pink-colored petals, which are unlike those of any other variety. The plant is currently facing the threat of extinction due to the high levels of pollution found within the kingdom. Fortunately, the museum's manufactured environment provides conditions that are ideally suited for this variety to thrive in. Indeed, it's now the only place in the country where you can find this particular variety. Tanyakarn is essentially a hybrid form of lotus (created by breeding a combination of two species). The colors of the blossoms and leaves are particularly impressive, featuring magnificent shades of dark brown and red. Another interesting exhibit is Mangkala Ubol, which was ranked first in the category of Best New Hardy Water Lily (in 2004) by the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society. Mangkala Ubol is interesting in the sense that while it is a foreign variety, it has clearly adapted easily to the kingdom and can be found blossoming in the country year-round.
many many thanks to tannetwork.tv
way to go to lotus museum : Take Route 305 (Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok) to Pathum Thani province. Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi is located at Km marker 13, which you'll see on the left-hand side of the road. When you drive into the university compound, the museum is the first thing you’ll see on the right-hand side of the road.
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