| Nymphaea gardneriana | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nymphaea cf. gardneriana Planch. with several floating leaves, as well as submerged leaves with scale bar (50 cm) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Order: | Nymphaeales |
| Family: | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus: | Nymphaea |
| Subgenus: | Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis |
| Species: | N. gardneriana |
| Binomial name | |
| Nymphaea gardneriana Planch. [1] | |
| Synonyms [1] | |
| |
Nymphaea gardneriana is a species of waterlily native to Cuba and tropical South America. [1]
Nymphaea gardneriana is a polymorphic species. [2] It exhibits a high degree of phenotypic plasticity and adapts its shape in response to different environmental conditions. [3] Its stoloniferous rhizome is ovoid. [2] Floating leaves have five, or rarely 4, primary veins. The leaf surface is glabrous and marked with irregular violet spotting. [4] The colouration of the foliage varies with the light intensity it is exposed to. In direct sun, the leaves turn bright red due to anthocyanins, providing protection of tissues against radiation damage through sunlight. [5] [6]
The floating flowers are attached to the stem by an up to 6 mm wide, glabrous peduncle with 5-6 central primary and 10-12 peripheral secondary air channels. [2] The floral fragrance has been described as very pleasant. [8] It has also been described as pungent, fermented, fruity, or solvent-like. It is primarily composed of methyl hexanoate and methyl 2-methylbutanoate. [7] The floral fragrance is primarily emitted from the innermost tepals, as well as petaloid stamens. [9]
The chromosome count is n = 14. [10]
In most populations the main mode of reproduction is through the formation of stolons. Each individual plant is capable of forming many stolons. [2] [11]
In natural settings, fruits are rarely produced, although Nymphaea gardneriana easily sets fruit through artificial pollination in cultivation. Sexual reproduction occurs rarely and the main modus of reproduction relies on vegetative reproduction through stolons. It does not form tubiferous flowers. [2] [11]
This adaptable plant can thrive in various freshwater environments. In rivers, it displays a submerged growth pattern, while in lakes, it develops floating leaves. For example, it has been documented in the Sucuri River in Brazil, known for its clear water. Additionally, it can be found in both natural and artificial lakes within the Pantanal, characterised by clayey soils and murky water rich in organic matter. [3]
It was first described by Jules Émile Planchon in 1852. [1]
The type specimen was collected by Mr. G. Gardner in Brazil. [12]
It is placed in Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis. [2]
In Cuba, it is considered to be endangered. Current threats include the loss and degradation of habitats caused by blockage and pollution from waste, agricultural practices, subsistence livestock, and the impact of invasive species. [13]
Nymphaea gardneriana, among other Nymphaea species, serves as an important component in the trophic chain of aquatic ecosystems by providing shelter for aquatic organisms. [14]
Species of Nymphaea subgenus Hydrocallis are pollinated by beetles of the genus Cyclocephala . [14] [7]
There have been reports of birds seeking the rhizomes of Nymphaea gardneriana when the water levels in the swamp decline. [15]
The articulated laticifers present in the two outer whorls of tepals may have a protective function against herbivores and microorganisms. [9]
Nymphaea gardneriana is an uncommon in cultivation. [16] It can be cultivated in clay, loam, or sandy soil. Propagating Nymphaea gardneriana is achievable through division. [17]
Nymphaeaceae is a family of flowering plants, commonly called water lilies. They live as rhizomatous aquatic herbs in temperate and tropical climates around the world. The family contains five genera with about 70 known species. Water lilies are rooted in soil in bodies of water, with leaves and flowers floating on or rising from the surface. Leaves are oval and heart-shaped in Barclaya. Leaves are round, with a radial notch in Nymphaea and Nuphar, but fully circular in Victoria and Euryale.
Nymphaea 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. Plants of the genus are known commonly as water lilies, or waterlilies in the United Kingdom. The genus name is from the Greek νυμφαία, nymphaia and the Latin nymphaea, which means "water lily" and were inspired by the nymphs of Greek and Latin mythology.
Nymphaea glandulifera is a species of waterlily native to tropical America.
Nymphaea prolifera is a species of waterlily naturally found from Mexico to Brazil and northeastern Argentina. Additionally, it has been reported to occur in Uruguay.
Nymphaea potamophila is a species of waterlily native to the region spanning from Venezuela to northern Brazil. Additionally, it has been reported to occur in Colombia.
Nymphaea oxypetala is a species of waterlily native to Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Venezuela. It is a remarkable species with excessively acuminate and acute sepals and petals.
Nymphaea rudgeana is a species of waterlily native to the region spanning from Mexico to tropical South America.
Nymphaea tenuinervia is a species of waterlily native to Colombia, Guyana and Brazil.
Nymphaea jamesoniana is a species of waterlily native to the USA, Mexico, and tropical South America.
Nymphaea belophylla is a species of waterlily native to Bolivia, Brazil and Venezuela.
Nymphaea caatingae is a species of waterlily endemic to Northeast Brazil.
Nymphaea conardii is a species of waterlily native to the region spanning from Southern Mexico to tropical South America.
Nymphaea harleyi is a species of waterlily endemic to Brazil.
Nymphaea paganuccii is a species of waterlily endemic to Brazil.
Nymphaea lasiophylla is a species of waterlily native to East Brazil. It has also been introduced to the Venezuelan Antilles.
Nymphaea pedersenii is a species of waterlily native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay.
Nymphaea lingulata is a species of waterlily native to Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Nymphaea novogranatensis is a species of waterlily native to Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela.
Nymphaea gracilis is a species of waterlily endemic to Mexico. It is the only species of its genus which is endemic to Mexico.
Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis is a subgenus of the genus Nymphaea.