Nymphaea

Nymphaea alba.001 - Breendonk

Nymphaea leaf cross-section

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Nymphaea cf. gardneriana Planch

Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea (Savigny) Verdc. complete specimen

Rhizome of Nymphaea gigantea "Albert De Lestang"

Nymphaea alba sl72

Nymphaea, commonly known as water lily, is a genus of hardy and tropical aquatic plants in the family Nymphaeaceae. They are native to various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. Nymphaea species are well known for their large, showy flowers and lily pads, which float on the surface of the water. These plants play a significant role in the ecology of their habitats, providing shelter and food for fish and other aquatic organisms. They are also popular ornamental plants in water gardens and ponds.

Description

Nymphaea plants have a distinctive appearance, with large leaves that are either floating or submerged, depending on the species. The leaves are usually round or oval-shaped and have a waxy coating that repels water. The flowers of the Nymphaea genus are solitary and can be white, pink, blue, or yellow. They typically bloom from spring to fall, opening in the morning and closing in the afternoon. Nymphaea flowers are pollinated by insects, such as bees and beetles.

Classification

The genus Nymphaea is part of the family Nymphaeaceae, which is one of the oldest families of flowering plants. Within the genus, there are approximately 50 species. The taxonomy of Nymphaea has been subject to revision, with some species being moved to other genera such as Nuphar and Victoria.

Cultivation and Uses

Nymphaea species are widely cultivated for their aesthetic value in water gardens and ponds. They require a sunny position and a still or slow-moving water body. The depth at which Nymphaea plants are placed in the water depends on the species and the size of the plant. Generally, they are planted in pots or baskets filled with a heavy clay soil and then submerged to the appropriate depth.

In addition to their ornamental use, some species of Nymphaea have been used in traditional medicine and as a source of food. The rhizomes and seeds of certain species are edible and have been consumed by various cultures around the world.

Conservation

While many species of Nymphaea are common and widely distributed, some are rare and face threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the survival of these species in their natural habitats.

Gallery

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See Also

• Aquatic plant
• Water gardening
• List of water lily genera