This plant is also known as the Indian Blue Lotus Waterlily, Star Lotus, Blue Star Waterlily and the Manel Flower. It is actually not a lotus at all, as there are no blue colored lotus flowers.It is native to southern and eastern parts of Asia, including India. It is also the national flower of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.It is a very hardy water lily that is cold climate tolerant. A beautiful water plant with large round green leaves that float on the waters surface. Provides shelter for fish and frogs from sun and predators.