Common Noun:
* General reference: When used to refer to any plant of the genus *Nelumbo* or *Nymphaea*, it's a common noun. For example: "The lotus flower is a symbol of purity."
Proper Noun:
* Specific name: When referring to a particular place, organization, or product named "Lotus," it becomes a proper noun. For example:
* "Lotus Cars" (a car manufacturer)
* "Lotus Temple" (a Baha'i House of Worship in Delhi, India)
* "Lotus Software" (a software company)
To determine if "lotus" is a common or proper noun, consider the context and whether it's referring to a specific entity or a general concept.