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Bingdi lotuses (Chinese: 并蒂莲; pīnyīn:bìngdìlián), (also known as bingtou lotuses (Chinese: 并头莲; pīnyīn:bìngtóulián)) are lotuses which bear a pair of flowers on each flower stalk, rather than a single flower as in most lotuses. Bingdi lotuses belongs to a special type named Qianban lotus (Chinese: 千瓣莲; pīnyīn:qiānbànlián) and is a treasure among flowers because it has all the essential parts of both the leaves and lotus.
The ancients considered bingdi lotuses as something lucky and joyous and as an embodiment of kindness and beauty.
Actually, this kind of lotus is variation of lotus. It has two flowers in one stalk and each flower has its own flower stalk. Specially, the two flower stalks are connected with each other.
Growth
Generally speaking, a lotus forms only one flower bud, one meristem centre and blossoms into one flower. But if affected by some special outside surroundings or inside variations, the flower bud may be divided into two meristem centres and then grow into two buds like the twins. Afterwards, two flower stalks will appear on the same stalk, then they both come into blossom and finally bear fruit—pod. This is Bingdi lotuses.
Value
Bingdi lotuses is considered as twins compared to other plants and it appears at a low rate. So it’s a treasure among lotuses. The genetic mechanism of bingdi lotuses is still under study and cannot be copied for the time being. Experts once did some experiments on bingdi lotuses and it turned out that bingdi lotuses is completely natural and not acquirable by inheritance.
Symbolism
Bingdi lotuses is called “gentleman among the flowers” and represents permanent and single-minded love.
In classical literature, Bingdi lotuses stands for love and implies the couple who are dear to each other and live a harmonious life. What’s more, Bingdi lotuses symbolize the lingering love between lovers and the brotherhood of man.
The folk tale regards the appearance of Bingdi lotuses as something lucky.