Abstract: This study focused attention on the mechanism of longevity in the ancient lotus seeds (Taizi lotus seed_aged 580±70 years found at Tai Zhou Wu Village of Beijing City in 1984). The modern one is closely related Harbin Lotus of seed_aged 8 years. The content of abscisic acid (ABA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of both lotus seeds were measured. ABA content in dry peel (peel and seed coat)of both lotus are much higher than those in cotyledons and in embryos respectively. Content of ABA in the Tai_Zi Lotus was 26% lower than that in Harbin Lotus. The difference of SOD activities in cotyledons of both lotus at imbibition and seedling stage was little, while the SOD activities in embryos and shoots of ancient lotus at the above two stages were 50% or 27% higher than those in Harbin lotus. Possible Physiological role of those phenomena is discussed.