Lotus grown from 200-year-old seed in full bloom at Kyoto's Byodoin Temple

The flowers of a lotus grown from a seed excavated from a layer of earth dating back about 200 years are now in full bloom at an ancient Buddhist temple in Kyoto Prefecture, western Japan. Byodoin Temple in Uji City is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. 

The Byodoin Temple Lotus, has successfully been grown from a seed obtained during excavation of a pond in the compound 25 years ago. Its flowers are white and have typically thin petals. Temple officials said the flowers began to bloom last week. The flowers can be enjoyed before the middle of next month.