The Royal Lily, Beauty with Value

Historical evidence gives us an account of the discovery of dried lilies in the mausoleum of Egyptian kings some 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.. Apart from wall paintings depicting lily ponds and other simulations of lily stalks in building ruins, the excavation of ancient monuments and artifacts in the Sindhu River basin of India also found lily and lily petal designs. In addition, royal lily seeds found in coal-mines in Manchuria and China resulted in beautiful pink lilies 18 months after their discovery.

Until today, therefore, the lily is a type of water plant that has been around for more than 4,000 years. In Thailand, there are two variations of royal lily, namely white and pink. They both have the botanical features shared by other water plants, marked with giant round leaves of dark green. Long stalks that rise above the surface of the water support the leaves, while the flower comprises different layers of petals. The cone-shaped buds contain seeds of lily cones. In the meantime, the roots grow deep into the soft soil. In general, royal lilies propagate using seeds; only a few species propagate using stalks.

Almost all parts of the royal lily are useful. Lily buds are used as religious offerings; leaves hold food; petals are used to roll tobacco and as raw material for other handicrafts; shoots and stalks are edible whether boiled, stir-fried or curried; seeds are used both in savories and desserts and the roots boiled with sugar are refreshing.

Royal lilies also boast medicinal properties. Stamens from lily buds reinvigorate the body, help urinary discharge and heal wounds. The roots are sweet and scented and can be used to treat diarrhea. Bulbs and seed are effective for quenching thirst and cooling the body, aiding mucus discharge and healing fresh wounds. And the bitter kernel of lily seeds helps enlarge arteries and nourish heart muscles.

Some people have royal lilies just for the beauty. A water plant such as the royal lily is thus beauty with value...