I captured this macro shot of the golden reproductive parts of a Nelumbo nucifera (white lotus) flower head – which was ready for pollination; this plant can use thermoregulation – to self-heat the flowers to aid in fertilisation.

The sacred lotus is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial and is a ‘living fossil’ dating to pre-history, having been domesticated in Asia about 7,000 years ago. It is believed that its main pollinators are mostly bees, flies and beetles.

Overall winner - International Garden Photographer of the Year Competition-14