Lilly or Lotus? How do you tell the difference?

Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago, IL

Is a Lotus Flower the same as a Water Lily?  Close, but different.  

The most commonly cited difference between these flowers is that the leaves of lotus are emergent, meaning that they rise above the water level whereas the leaves of water-lily are found floating on the water surface.  The Lotus symbolic of rebirth, but in addition to its religious
meaning, the Lotus is also a symbol of all that is true, good and beautiful,
representing good fortune, peace and enlightenment.

 

 Photographed at the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Chicago, IL