| RMUTT Lotus Museum: Floral Extravaganza an Explosion of Color | ||||
| UPDATE : 18 December 2009 | ||||
Nida Tunsuttiwong The lotus flower is of particular importance within Thai culture, as evidenced by the fact that Buddhists present monks with blooms as a form of offering. Even the Lord Buddha refers to four stages of lotus development relating to the ability to learn; a small lotus under the ground, a submerged lotus bud, a lotus that blooms just above the water level, and one that blooms above the water level. Perhaps this is also why it's common to see lotuses within temple compounds or Thai homes, providing folks with a kind of reminder so they can evaluate or reevaluate which form suits them best. A floral extravaganza In 2000, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn requested Rajamangala University of Technology(RMUTT), located in the province of Pathum Thani ('City of Lotuses'), to begin gathering seedlings from across the country with the aim of establishing the country's first 'Lotus Museum'. The center now houses over 150 species, including a mix of both domestic and foreign varieties.
Seedlings that have either been donated or gathered from among enthusiasts across the country are either cultivated here, or in the numerous watercourses available within the university itself. Stunning examples Bua Jongkolnee ('Jongkolnee Lotus') is the most important and oldest indigenous lotus variety in Thailand, which dates back to the Sukhothai era (1238-1448). Unlike most varieties, this stunning water lily, featuring dense layers of pale pink-colored petals, continues to bloom until the plant finally withers away. Due to its historical significance, the Bua Jongkolnee occupy a large pool at one corner of the site. Mangala Ubol, a hybrid of the Maxicana and Parriers Five O varieties, is another interesting plant. In 2004, this variety won the International Waterlily & Water Gardening Society's 'Best New Hardy Lily' competition in the US. Bred by Dr N. Noppachai Chansilpa, the lily features of colorful petals, which go from yellow at the center to orange towards the tip.
Other interesting varieties which can be found here include Bua Luang Sattabongkoch ('Double Red Lotus') Bua Suthasinobol ('Royal Purple Lotus'), the Egyptian Lotus, Hindu Lotus, Little Sue, and Mrs Edwards Whitaker. Fields of color Purin says the museum has two other lotus pools located on the other corners of the site, in which several other varieties have been planted. Lots of colors are used to provide visitors with a spectacular sight, he says, pointing out that some watercourses had been prepared using varieties featuring red, blue, and white flowers to symbolize the country's national flag.
Purin says he has tried to develop several products from the plants, including foods and soaps, as well as using elements as ingredients in a herbal drink in the knowledge that one day it will hopefully ensure that growers in the province can earn more income from such developments. There are also numerous varieties of plants on sale so that more people can become interested in the subject, while admiring the wonderful blooms at home. Purin says the best time to visit is early in the morning (before 10 am) as folks may then get to witness how some plants that bloom overnight close their buds during the early daylight hours. Summer is the best season in which to visit, he says, since some lotuses don't bloom during the winter months. For further information on RMUTT Lotus Museum, contact Tel: +66 (0)2 549 3043, or visit http://lotus.rmutt.ac.th/index.php . Transport connections: Car: Located along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road in Pathum Thani province’s Thanyaburi district, RMUTT can easily be reached by car from downtown Bangkok by taking the Viphawadee-Rangsit Road, which passes Don Muang Airport. You can get on to the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road near Fashion Island shopping mall on Ram Inthra Road. After passing the Dream World theme park you're very close to klong ('canal') 4. The university is located between klongs 5 and 6 and is about 10 minutes drive from this point. Train: You can take a BTS skytrain to Morchit station and take a taxi, bus, or minibus from there to Pathum Thani. Similarly, you can take the MRT subway to Chatuchak, from which you can again take a taxi, bus, or minibus to Pathum Thani. Regular State Railway of Thailand (SRT) trains run to Rangsit market, from where you can take a local bus to Pathum Thani. Bus: Air-conditioned bus 538 from Victory Monument can get you very close to the university. The bus uses the tollway and Viphawadee-Rangsit Roadbefore going on the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road near Fashion Island shopping mall on Ram Inthra Road. After passing the “Dream World” theme park you are near Klong (canal) 4. The university is located between Klong 5 and 6 and is about 10 minutes away. Regular Rot dtoo ('minibuses') also operate regular services to Pathum Thani from Victory Monument. | ||||
Friday, December 18, 2009
RMUTT Lotus Museum: Floral Extravaganza an Explosion of Color
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