Trees Planet: Nymphaea nouchali

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Nymphaea nouchali - Blue Water Lily

Ge,neral Information

Common Name	Blue Water Lily
Scientific Name	*Nymphaea nouchali*
Sun Tolerance	Full Sun
Height	up to 2 m (up to 6 ft)
Spread	up to 1 m (up to 3 ft)
Growth Rate	Fast
Bloom Time	Summer
Color	Green,
Flower Color	Blue
Type	Herbs
Native	Asia, Australia and North America

Classification

Kingdom	Plantae – Plants
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Superdivision	Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division	Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class	Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass	Magnoliidae
Order	Nymphaeales
Family	Nelumbonaceae - Lily Family
Genus	Nymphaeaceae. - Water Lily
Species	N. nouchali

Nymphaea nouchali - Blue Water Lily

Nymphaea nouchali, also known as the Blue Water Lily, is a species of aquatic plant in the family Nymphaeaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Tanzania.

The plant has a large rhizome (a type of root) that is submerged in the water, and it produces long stalks with floating leaves and flowers. The leaves are circular, up to 45 cm in diameter, and have a distinct notch at the base. The flowers are large and showy, with a diameter of up to 20 cm. They have blue or purple petals and yellow stamens in the center.

Nymphaea nouchali prefers shallow, still, freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. It can grow in water up to 5 meters deep, but the leaves and flowers will not emerge above the surface. The plant requires full sun and can tolerate a range of water temperatures and pH levels.

The Blue Water Lily is often grown as an ornamental plant in ponds and water gardens. It can be propagated from seeds or rhizome cuttings and requires fertile, loamy soil for optimal growth. In some cultures, the plant has cultural or religious significance and is used in traditional medicine for various ailments.

Nymphaea nouchali is an important plant in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitat and food for a variety of aquatic animals. It also helps to oxygenate the water and remove excess nutrients, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.

The plant has cultural and religious significance in many Asian and African countries. In India, the Blue Water Lily is considered a sacred plant and is associated with various deities. In Sri Lanka, the plant is known as the 'Nil Manel' and is the national flower. It is also featured on the Sri Lankan 20-rupee note. In some cultures, the plant is used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin disorders.
Overall, Nymphaea nouchali is a fascinating aquatic plant with a range of ecological, cultural, and medicinal significance.