Nymphaea nouchali, often known by its synonym Nymphaea stellata, or by common names blue lotus, star lotus, red and blue water lily, or blue star water lily is a water lily of genus Nymphaea. It is native to southern and eastern parts of Asia, and is the national flower of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This water lily has a beautiful flower which is usually violet blue in color with reddish edges. Some varieties have white, purple, or fuchsia-colored flowers, hence its name red and blue water lily.