Nymphaea rubra - Red Water Lily

General Information Common Name  Red Water Lily Scientific Name  Nymphaea rubra 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, Brown Flower Color  Red 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  Nymphaeaceae - Lily Family Genus  Nymphaea - Lily Species  N. rubra

Nymphaea rubra – The Red Water Lily

Nymphaea rubra, commonly known as the Red Water Lily, is a beautiful aquatic plant that belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Asia, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The Red Water Lily is a popular ornamental plant in water gardens and is well-known for its vibrant red flowers that float on the surface of the water.

The Red Water Lily is a perennial plant that grows in shallow water up to a depth of 1.5 meters. The plant has long, oval-shaped leaves that can grow up to 30 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are green with a reddish tint on the underside. The Red Water Lily blooms from May to September, producing beautiful, cup-shaped flowers that can be up to 20 centimeters in diameter. The flowers have deep red petals and a yellow center, which is surrounded by a halo of bright red stamens.

One of the unique features of the Red Water Lily is that its flowers open in the morning and close in the afternoon, lasting for only a day. The plant reproduces through seeds, which are produced in a large, round fruit that is about 8-10 centimeters in diameter. The fruit contains numerous seeds that are dispersed through the water.

The Red Water Lily has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In India, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and inflammation. The roots of the plant are also used in Ayurvedic medicine as a remedy for insomnia and anxiety.

In addition to its medicinal properties, the Red Water Lily is also used for ornamental purposes. The plant is a popular choice for water gardens, adding a pop of color to the water. The Red Water Lily requires full sun to partial shade and nutrient-rich soil. It is a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures ranging from 15-35°C.

The Red Water Lily (Nymphaea rubra) is a beautiful aquatic plant that is known for its vibrant red flowers and long, oval-shaped leaves. The plant has a rich history of use in traditional medicine and is also a popular ornamental plant in water gardens. If you're looking to add a splash of color to your water garden, the Red Water Lily is definitely worth considering.

 

 
 

Nymphaea rubra -  Red Water Lily

Red Water Lily

Red Water Lily

Red Water Lily with leaves

Red Water Lily

Red Water Lily seeds

Red Water Lily

Red Water Lily leaves

Red Water Lily

Red Water Lily

Nymphaea odorata - White Water Lily

General Information Common Name  White Water Lily Scientific Name  Nymphaea odorata 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  White 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  Nymphaeaceae - Lily Family Genus  Nymphaea - Lily Species  N. odorata

Nymphaea odorata – White Water Lily

Nymphaea odorata commonly known as White Water Lily is an aquatic plant species that belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. It is also commonly known as fragrant water lily or American white water lily. This plant is native to North America and can be found in various aquatic environments such as lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.

White water lilies have large, circular, floating leaves that can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. The leaves are green on the upper surface and reddish-purple on the lower surface. The flowers are white and fragrant, with 4-20 petals, and can grow up to 20 cm in diameter. The flowers bloom during the day and close at night. The plant also has long, flexible stems that attach the leaves and flowers to the underwater roots.

White water lilies are found throughout North America, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. They prefer shallow water bodies, such as ponds, marshes, and lakes, with a moderate amount of sunlight. The plant can grow in water that is up to 3 meters deep.

White water lilies play an important role in their ecosystem. The large leaves provide shade and cover for aquatic animals, while the flowers provide a food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant also serves as a habitat for a variety of aquatic animals, including fish, turtles, and frogs.

The white water lily has cultural significance in various indigenous cultures in North America. It is known to symbolize peace, tranquility, and purity in some Native American cultures. The plant has also been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous communities, as well as in traditional herbal medicine.

The white water lily is a beautiful and important aquatic plant species that plays a vital role in its ecosystem and has cultural significance in various indigenous cultures in North America.

 

 

Nymphaea odorata - White Water Lily

White Water Lily

White Water Lily

White Water Lily

White Water Lily

White Water Lily Seeds

White Water Lily Seeds Pods

White Water Lily Leaves

White Water Lily

White Water Lily

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.

 

Nymphaea nouchali - Blue Water Lily

Blue Water Lily leaves

Blue Water Lily leaves

Blue Water Lily Flower

Nymphaea nouchali - Blue Water Lily

Blue Water Lily Seeds Pods

Blue Water Lily Seeds pods

Blue Water Lily

Nymphaea nouchali

Nelumbo nucifera - Lotus Flower

General Information Common Name  Lotus Flower Scientific Name  Nelumbo nucifera 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  Pink 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 A. Rich. - Lotus- Lily Family Genus  Nelumbo Adans. - Lotus Species  N. nucifer

Nelumbo nucifera - Lotus Flower

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as the lotus flower, is a perennial aquatic plant that is native to Asia and Northern Australia. It is considered a sacred plant in many cultures and has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries.

The lotus flower grows in shallow water, typically in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. It has large, round leaves that float on the water's surface, and its flowers are often pink or white and can grow up to 10 inches in diameter. The lotus plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has a long, tubular stem that supports its leaves and flowers.

The lotus flower is revered in many cultures, including Buddhism and Hinduism, where it is a symbol of purity and enlightenment. In Egyptian mythology, it is associated with the sun, creation, and rebirth. The lotus is often depicted in art and literature as a representation of beauty, grace, and spiritual growth.

Various parts of the lotus plant have been used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine for centuries. Its seeds are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals and are believed to have various health benefits, including improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health. The lotus flower has also been used as a traditional remedy for diarrhea, fever, and liver problems.

The lotus flower is also an essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines. Its seeds, known as lotus nuts, are often used in desserts, such as mooncakes, and its root is commonly used in soups and stir-fries. Lotus tea, which is made by steeping lotus flowers in hot water, is also a popular beverage in many Asian countries.

Despite its cultural and medicinal significance, Nelumbo nucifera faces many threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and over-harvesting. In some countries, the plant is also threatened by the illegal trade of its seeds and flowers. Conservation efforts, such as protecting its natural habitat and promoting sustainable harvesting practices, are necessary to ensure the survival of this important species.

Nelumbo nucifera, or the lotus flower, is a sacred plant with cultural, medicinal, and culinary significance. It is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cuisine. However, the plant faces many threats and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure its survival.

 

 

Nelumbo nucifera - Lotus Flower

Lotus Flower leaves

Lotus Flower

Lotus Flower

Lotus Flower Seeds pods

Lotus Flower seeds pod

Lotus Flower seeds

Lotus Flower

Lotus Flower

Nelumbo nucifera - Lotus Flower