What's the difference between lily and lotus?

Simple Expressions writes, "[T]he most commonly cited difference and the one which will help you decide which plant it is from a distance, lies in the leaves of the two plants. read more

3.Lily belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family, and the lotus, which is scientifically called Nelumbo, belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family. 4.Lotus plants produce rose or white flowers whereas the lily flowers come in white and pink colors. 5.Lily plants grow in muddy waters such as ponds and shallow streams. Lotuses grow in shallow ponds and swamps. read more

Another difference that can be seen between a lily and a lotus is in the carpel or the female part. Unlike the lily flower, the lotus has a barrel-shaped carpel that is embedded in an expanded receptacle. The lotus flower also has an androecial ring which is a distinguishing feature of the lotus. read more