The Truth Behind the Viral "Rock Lotus" Plant Claim
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People are often captivated by the beauty of flowers, and their images are widely shared on social media. However, in some cases, digitally altered or entirely computer-generated images are circulated as real photographs. These edited images can mislead viewers, who may believe they are looking at actual flowers when, in fact, the images have been artificially enhanced or created using digital tools.
Social Media Posts
A viral post has been circulating online, celebrating the unique beauty and resilience of a plant called Lewisia cotyledon, also referred to as the "Rock Lotus" or, in Sinhala, "බ්රාහ්මන නෙලුම්." The post claims that this unique alpine plant thrives in the rocky crevices of the Himalayan Mountains, symbolising spiritual growth and resilience. It also touches on the plant’s ability to survive in extreme conditions and its alleged use in healing practices.
It can be seen on some blog sites, too.
These social media posts went viral among international and local audiences, so we decided to conduct a fact-check on this topic.
Fact-Check
Although we could not find evidence of such mystical plants in the Himalayas, using keyword and image matching, we came across a plant called Lewisia cotyledon, popularly known as Cliff Maids.
Claim 1: What is Lewisia cotyledon?
Lewisia cotyledon, commonly known as Siskiyou Lewisia, Bitter Root or Cliff-Maids, is indeed a fascinating plant. It is a perennial succulent native to the rocky slopes of the western United States, particularly in the coastal mountains of Oregon and California, not the Himalayas, as claimed in the post.
This plant is admired for its fleshy, evergreen leaves and showy flowers, which bloom in vibrant shades of pink, orange, yellow, and white. Its ability to grow in harsh, rocky environments has made it popular in alpine gardens.
However, it is not native to the Himalayas or associated with any special symbolism of spiritual enlightenment. Read here
Lewisia cotyledon Image by Bob Saunders
Comparing the images of Lewisia cotyledon and those mentioned above, “mysterious Rock Lotus" or "බ්රාහ්මන නෙලුම්” are two different things.
Claim 2: Is the "Rock Lotus" Real?
The name "Rock Lotus" or "බ්රාහ්මන නෙලුම්" seems to have been fabricated or artificially associated with Lewisia cotyledon. The term "lotus" typically refers to aquatic plants in the genus Nelumbo, and there is no documented plant known as "Rock Lotus" in botanical literature.
The viral post also included images of a delicate, white-petaled flower that does not resemble Lewisia cotyledon. Read about the different types of lotus here.
According to Prof. Priyanganie Senanayake from the Department of Plant & Molecular Biology at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, this is likely a case of digitally altered images being used to spread false information about a mythical plant. Such manipulated images and misinformation are becoming more prevalent on social media, emphasising the need for greater awareness and scrutiny when engaging with viral content.
Claim 3: The Reality of Alpine Plants
While the post attempts to paint Lewisia cotyledon as a mystical plant from the Himalayas, it's important to clarify the nature of true alpine plants. Alpine environments, characterised by cold temperatures, high altitudes, and rocky terrains, support various plants that have evolved specific adaptations to survive.
These plants are often small, grow low to the ground, and have extensive root systems to anchor them in place. Examples include saxifrages, dwarf narcissus, and certain types of mosses and lichens.
Concepts in Alpine Plant Ecology can be read here.
Examples of alpine plant life forms: forbs (A) Hymenoxys grandiflora and (B) Eritrichium aeritroides at Niwot Ridge, Colorado, USA; (C) Oxyria digyna in the Austrian Alps; (D) Polemonium viscosum in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, USA; columnar (E) Lobelia deckenii on Mount Kenya, Kenya; mat-forming cushions (F) Xenophyllum humile on Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador, and (G) Silene acaulis at Niwot Ridge, Colorado, USA; dwarf shrub (H) Phyllodoce aluti in the Taisetu Mountains, Hokkaido, Japan. (Photos (A) and (G) by A.B. Moyes; (B) by M. Harte; (D) by D.E. Winkler; others public domain.)Image by Daniel E. Winkler
Lewisia cotyledon is indeed well-adapted to grow in rocky environments but hails from a different part of the world and shares no connection with the imagery or symbolism mentioned in the viral post.
Claim 4: Symbolism in Plants
The viral post’s claim that the so-called "Rock Lotus" represents spiritual growth and transformation is a creative fabrication. It borrows heavily from the symbolism of the lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera), revered in many cultures for its association with purity, enlightenment, and resilience. Hence, it’s essential to distinguish between well-established cultural symbols and artificially constructed narratives.
While plants can indeed inspire deep reflection and represent various personal or cultural meanings, creating false associations between plants and mystical qualities, as seen in this post, undermines the true beauty of these species and promotes misinformation.
As Prof. Senanayake highlighted, social media can often become a breeding ground for misleading content, notably when images are altered using AI or digital technology. The viral post in question is a prime example of how digital tools can be used to spread myths and misinform the public. The comparison between Lewisia cotyledon and the mythical "Rock Lotus" further demonstrates the need for critical thinking and fact-checking when encountering sensational claims online.
Below are the results from the hugging face AI image detector, one of the tools used to detect artificially generated images. It says the image is most likely artificial rather than natural.
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Conclusion
The viral post about the so-called "Rock Lotus" is essentially a work of fiction. The images do not resemble any natural plant but rather represent a digital creation using AI.
Lewisia cotyledon, the real-life plant, probably the source for this creative fabrication, is a beautiful species in its own right; however, it does not possess the mystical qualities, symbolic significance, or appearance that these viral posts describe.
In today's digital age, approaching such claims with scepticism and verifying facts through reliable sources is more important than ever. As we celebrate the wonders of the natural world, let us ensure that our admiration is rooted in truth rather than misinformation.