What is a Nymphaea?
Nymphaea are a type of water lily. Nymphaea is a plant genus that is part of the Nymphaeaceae family. It contains about 40 species of flowering plants that are found in North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. They grow in aquatic environments and usually consist of a floating flower and floating leaves.
What is Nymphaea lotus?
Nymphaea Lotus is beautiful aquarium culture that is one of the most expressive and decorative. The fragile flowers of the marsh plant resemble water lilies. This similarity has led to the fact that in everyday life it is called the lotus. But according to the botanical classification, the correct name is “Nymphaea Lotus”.
Is Nymphaeales the same as Cabombaceae?
Nymphaeales. Cabombaceae, or the water shields and fanworts, is a closely related family with 2 genera, Cabomba and Brasenia, that is sometimes included in Nymphaeaceae. The last family, Hydatellaceae, contains 1 genus ( Trithuria) and 12 species.
Are Nymphaeaceae flowers self pollinating?
Flowers of Nymphaeaceae occur singly from nodes of submerged stems and rise to the surface of the water or higher, and their flowers are radially symmetrical. Flowers are insect-pollinated, except in some flowers of Nymphaea that are self-pollinated in closed flowers and the unique wind-pollinated N. ondinea.
Which type of plant is water lily?
freshwater flowering plantswater lily, (family Nymphaeaceae), family of 58 species in 3 genera of freshwater flowering plants (order Nymphaeales), native to the temperate and tropical parts of the world. Water lilies provide food for fish and wildlife but sometimes cause drainage problems because of their rapid growth.
Is Nymphaea a floating plant?
Floating leaved plants, such as water lilies (Nuphar and Nymphaea), and some pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.) occupy somewhat deeper waters, up to 1–2 m in depth.
Is water lily a terrestrial plant?
... Water lilies are perennial aquatic ornamental plants [12] .
What is the genus and species of a water lily?
Integrated Taxonomic Information System - ReportFamilyNymphaeaceae – water liliesGenusNymphaea L. – waterlily, water lilySpeciesNymphaea odorata Aiton – American waterlily, white waterlily, American white waterlilyDirect Children:SubspeciesNymphaea odorata ssp. odorata Aiton – American white waterlily, waterlily12 more rows
Is the water lily a tree a shrub or a herb?
Lilies, those members of species Lilium, are herbaceous plants, in that they do not develop a permanent woody structure and typically die back to the ground at the end of their growing cycle. None are shrubs or trees.
Are water lilies monocots or dicots?
MonocotsLilies are Monocots, characterized by parallel leaf veins, flower parts (petals, sepals, pistils etc.) in groups of 3's, fibrous root systems, and a single seed leaf emerging after germination.
What is a plant classified as?
An Example of Plant ClassificationKingdomPlantae – PlantsDivisionMagnoliophyta – Flowering plantsClassMagnoliopsida – DicotyledonsSubclassAsteridaeOrderAsterales5 more rows
What is example of terrestrial plant?
Terrestrial invasive plants include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and herbaceous plants.
Which is terrestrial plant?
A terrestrial plant is a plant that grows on, in, or from land. Other types of plants are aquatic (living in water), epiphytic (living on trees) and lithophytic (living in or on rocks).
What is the characteristics of Nymphaea?
Most of them float on the surface of the water. The blades have smooth or spine-toothed edges, and they can be rounded or pointed. The flowers rise out of the water or float on the surface, opening during the day or at night. Many species of Nymphaea display protogynous flowering.
Is a water lily vascular or nonvascular?
This plant is vascular because it has roots which connect to the bottom of the lake and water and sugar flows through them.
Are water lilies annuals or perennials?
perennial plantsThey bloom throughout the warm-weather months, eventually becoming dormant in the fall. These are perennial plants, meaning that as long as the rhizome – the underground stem that sends out roots and shoots – does not freeze, the plant will survive through the winter and bloom again in spring.
What is a nymphaea?
Nymphaea / nɪmˈfiːə / is a genus of hardy and tender aquatic plants in the family Nymphaeaceae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution. Many species are cultivated as ornamental plants, and many cultivars have been bred. Some taxa occur as introduced species where they are not native, and some are weeds.
What does the name "nymphaea" mean?
The genus name is from the Greek νυμφαία, nymphaia and the Latin nymphaea, which mean "water lily" and were inspired by the nymphs of Greek and Latin mythology.
What is the difference between nymphaea and nuphar?
In Nymphaea, the petals are much larger than the sepals, whereas in Nuphar, the petals are much smaller. The process of fruit maturation also differs, with Nymphaea fruit sinking below the water level immediately after the flower closes, and Nuphar fruit remaining above the surface. Subdivisions of genus Nymphaea:
What do Buduma people eat?
The Buduma people ate the seeds and rhizomes. Some tribes ate the rhizomes raw. The tubers of Nymphaea gigantea of Australia were roasted by certain tribes, these turn the colour blue when boiled, the tubers of other species were also roasted elsewhere on that continent. In China the tubers were eaten cooked.
What is the flower of a water lily?
Water lily flowers are entomophilous, meaning they are pollinated by insects, often beetles. The fruit is berry-like and borne on a curving or coiling peduncle. Plant reproduce by root tubers and seeds.
How do waterlily leaves grow?
The leaves grow from the rhizome on long petioles (stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the stem). Floating round leaves of waterlily grow up to 12 inches across. The disc shaped leaves are notched and split to the stem in a V-shape at the centre, and are often purple underneath. Most of them float on the surface of the water.
When did Sri Lanka start growing water lilies?
In Sri Lanka it was formerly eaten as a type of medicine and its price was too high to serve as a normal meal, but in the 1940s or earlier some villagers began to grow water lilies in the paddy fields left uncultivated during the monsoon season (Yala season), and the price dropped.
How big do Nymphaea attraction flowers get?
Nymphaea 'Attraction' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting oval-shaped light bronze leaves when young, up to 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm), maturing to deep green. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the large cup- to star-shaped flowers. Each slightly fragrant blossom, up to 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), features deep rose-red inner petals and paler outer petals. They surround a conspicuous bouquet of yellow stamens.
How big are Nymphaea atropurpurea?
Nymphaea 'Atropurpurea' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting ovate leaves, up to 10 in, wide (25cm), deep purple when young, aging to dark green. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the large bowl-shaped to star-shaped flowers. Each blossom, up to 7-8 in. across (17-20 cm), features deep red petals surrounding a conspicuous bouquet of yellow-orange stamens. Each flower lasts several days, opening in the morning and closing in the late afternoon.
How big do Nymphaea escarboucles get?
Nymphaea 'Escarboucle' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting round, brownish leaves when young, up to 10-12 in. wide (25-30 cm), maturing to deep green. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the large cup- to star-shaped flowers. Each fragrant blossom, up to 6-8 in. across (15-20 cm), features bright cherry-red inner petals and outer petals tipped in white. They surround a conspicuous bouquet of glowing orange stamens.
How big are the petals of a water lily?
Nymphaea 'Conqueror' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting slightly bronze rounded leaves, up to 8 in. wide (20 cm), when young. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the large cup- to star-shaped flowers. Each slightly fragrant blossom, up to 7-8 in. across (17-20 cm), features deep red inner petals and almost white outer petals that turn pink as the flower ages.
How big are Aurora Lily leaves?
Nymphaea 'Aurora' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting oval green leaves, up to 6 in. wide (15 cm), blotched purple or maroon. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the cup-shaped to star-shaped flowers. Each blossom, up to 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), changes color with age: opening creamy-yellow, they deepen to apricot-orange to deep burgundy-red.
What is the color of water lily?
Nymphaea 'Almost Black' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting bronze flushed rounded leaves turning a rich green color as they mature. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the striking dark red, almost black, peony shaped flowers. Each slightly fragrant blossom, up to 5-6 in. across (12-15 cm), features several rows of cherry-soda red petals (38-40) surrounding a conspicuous bouquet of yellow stamens.
How big are August Koch water lilies?
Nymphaea 'August Koch' (Water Lily) is a day-blooming aquatic perennial boasting nearly round, olive green, unevenly serrated leaves, up to 12 in. wide (30 cm), with wavy edges. Floating on the surface of the water, they create a lovely backdrop for the profuse, cup-shaped flowers, 4-6 in. across (10-15 cm). Their 22-25 petals are rich blue while the sepals are lilac-purple. Each pleasantly fragrant blossom lasts 3-4 days, opening in the morning and closing by sundown.
What is Colorado lily?
Viviparous water lilies form plantlets attached to the mother plant. 'Colorado' is a hardy water lily and a profuse bloomer with salmon-coloured flowers spring through fall which are held 3-4 inches above the water. It is adaptable to smaller pots and ponds and is shade tolerant. The blooms have a light fragrance.
How deep do water lilies grow?
Water lilies are a group of plants containing about 70 known species. They are either tropical or hardy and grow in water 3 inches to 2 foot deep. The spread is variable from 2 foot to about 20 foot. Larger plants need larger water gardens or ponds. Short ones do well growing in containers. They prefer non-moving water without fountains or currents. Most prefer full sun but some will tolerate some shade. The flowers are showy and usually fragrant with showy lily pads for leaves. Viviparous water lilies form plantlets attached to the mother plant.
Where do nymphaeaceae flowers come from?
Flowers of Nymphaeaceae occur singly from nodes of submerged stems and rise to the surface of the water or higher, and their flowers are radially symmetrical. Flowers are insect-pollinated, except in some flowers of Nymphaea that are self-pollinated in closed flowers and the unique wind-pollinated N. ondinea.
Why are nymphaeales important?
Because they grow rapidly and can clog lakes, several members of Nymphaeales provide an essential link in plant succession—from pond to swamp to wet prairie. Floating water lily pads ( Nymphaea species). Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Subscribe Now.
How many species are there in the water lily family?
Nymphaeaceae (including the former family Barclayaceae), the water lily family, has 3 genera and 58 species. Cabombaceae, or the water shields and fanworts, is a closely related family with 2 genera, Cabomba and Brasenia. The last family, Hydatellaceae, contains 1 genus ( Hydatella) and 12 species. All plants of the Nymphaeales order are aquatic.
What is the aesthetic appeal of water lilies?
The aesthetic appeal of the water lilies, especially those of the genus Nymphaea, has led to their worldwide cultivation. The floating leaf of a water lily ( Nymphaea odorata) facing downward to show the attachment of the leaf stalk near the centre of the leaf.
What is Amazon water lily?
Amazon water lily ( Nymphaea amazonica) in a Malaysian garden. © Christopher Waters/Fotolia. Many members of the order are suited for pools, aquatic gardens, and aquariums, where they are prized for their attractive foliage and showy flowers.
Where are hydatellas native to?
The sole genus, Hydatella (formerly Trithuria ), has about 10 species native to India, New Zealand, and Australia. They are clumped grasslike aquatic herbs that may be submerged, with tiny flowers aggregated into stalked headlike clusters. Four of the species are dioecious (separate male and female plants), and the others have various arrangements of male and female flowers on the same plant. In these ways, Hydatella differs greatly from the broader-leaved and larger-flowered members of the other two families in the order.
Where do water lilies grow?
odorata, native to the eastern United States, with 13-cm (5-inch) white flowers, and its cultivars (horticultural varieties) are widely grown in parks, gardens, and natural ponds in warm temperate regions.
Overview
Taxonomy
This is one of several genera of plants known commonly as lotuses. It is not related to the legume genus Lotus or the East Asian and South Asian lotuses of genus Nelumbo. It is closely related to Nuphar lotuses, however. In Nymphaea, the petals are much larger than the sepals, whereas in Nuphar, the petals are much smaller. The process of fruit maturation also differs, with Nymphaea frui…
Description
Water lilies are aquatic rhizomatous herbaceous perennials, sometimes with stolons as well. The stem is angular and erect. The leaves grow from the rhizome on long petioles (stalk that attaches the leaf blade to the stem). Floating round leaves of waterlily grow up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) across. The disc-shaped leaves are notched and split to the stem in a V-shape at the centre, and are often purple underneath. Most of them float on the surface of the water. The bla…
Cultivation
Water lilies are not only decorative, but also provide useful shade which helps reduce the growth of algae in ponds and lakes. Many of the water lilies familiar in water gardening are hybrids and cultivars. These cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:
• 'Escarboucle' (orange-red)
Uses
All water lilies are poisonous and contain an alkaloid called nupharin in almost all of their parts, with the exception of the seeds and in some species the tubers.
The European species contain large amounts of nupharin, and are considered inedible. The amount of nupharin in the leaves and stalks appears to vary seasonally in European species.
In some species the rhizomes and tubers are eaten after boiling has neutralised the nupharin.
Culture
The Ancient Egyptians used the water lilies of the Nile as cultural symbols. Since 1580 it has become popular in the English language to apply the Latin word lotus, originally used to designate a tree, to the water lilies growing in Egypt, and much later the word was used to translate words in Indian texts. The lotus motif is a frequent feature of temple column architecture. In Egypt, the lotus, rising fr…
See also
• Albert de Lestang, propagator and seed collector
• List of plants known as lily
External links
• Knotts, K. The first hybrid waterlilies.
• GRIN Species Records of Nymphaea.