To get sunlight, and through photosynthesis transform the light into nutrients, both the lotus and the water lilies have broad, extended leaves. Both plants dread fast-moving waters which could sweep them away. Thus they eschew streams and instead show themselves in quiet ponds or along the banks of rivers.
為了爭取日照，以行光合作用，轉化成養份，荷花、睡蓮葉片都寬闊展延、以大取勝，不論水面清圓或翠蓋擎舉，也都畏懼急促水流沖損，因此兩者都舍小溪急流，而展顏於安靜的湖沼、大河旁。