Wed Jan 28 15:56:33 UTC 2026: # Lotus Flower’s Internal Heating Mechanism Explained
The Story:
A recent article in The Hindu, published on January 28, 2026, delves into the thermogenic properties of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) native to North and Central India. The article explains how the lotus flower maintains a significantly higher internal temperature (30-35º C) compared to its surroundings, even when ambient temperatures drop to 10º C. This thermogenesis, triggered by a surge in calcium ions, facilitates the release of an attractive scent, drawing insect pollinators and ensuring cross-pollination. The article further explores similar thermogenic mechanisms in other plants like the Eastern skunk cabbage and the dead horse arum lily.
Key Points:
- The sacred lotus maintains an internal temperature of 30-35º C even when the surrounding temperature is as low as 10º C.
- Thermogenesis in the lotus is triggered when the unopened flower’s petal tips turn pink.
- A surge in calcium ions (increasing by four times) signals mitochondria to shift into high gear and produce heat.
- The heat helps release an attractive scent to attract pollinators (bees and beetles).
- The flower closes by midday, forming an insulated chamber for insects.
- Other thermogenic plants, such as the Eastern skunk cabbage and dead horse arum lily, use heat to attract insects or melt snow.
Key Takeaways:
- The lotus flower’s thermogenic ability is a sophisticated adaptation for attracting pollinators and ensuring cross-pollination.
- Calcium ions play a crucial role as an ‘on’ switch, signaling the mitochondria to produce heat by utilizing stored starch and fat.
- Thermogenesis is a strategy used by diverse plant species to achieve various purposes, including attracting pollinators and providing warmth.
First Piper 