Nelumbo nucifera or the Sacred Lotus is an aquatic perennial from tropical climes that raises it leaves and flowers above the waterline (unlike Nymphaea - Waterlillies).
The leaves are waxy and quite round in shape while the fragrant flowers are borne singly atop long and slender stalks.
the flowers are quite sublime and its no surprise that they are featured in religious symbolism (e.g. Sacred Lotus) - with Buddha often being depicted at the centre of a Lotus flower.
For all its floral beauty this plant has the strangest seed heads - looking rather like a watering can rose.