Nymphaea elegans, also known as the tropical royalblue waterlily,[
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/ref>[Tur, N. M. (2006). " Nymphaea elegans (Nymphaeaceae) nueva cita para la flora Argentina." Hickenia, 3, 42-167.]
Description
This species has unbranched rhizomes, which do not produce stolons. The petiole does not have any trichomes. The upper leaf surface is green, the submerged side of the leaf is purple.[ Nymphaea elegans
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Reproduction
The fragrant flowers are protogynous. During the first day of flowering they are functionally female. In the following two days, they are functionally male.[Schneider, E. L. (1982). "Notes on the floral biology of Nymphaea elegans (Nymphaeaceae) in Texas." Aquatic Botany, 12, 197-200.]
Taxonomy
Type specimen
The type specimen was collected from a pond near the head of Leona River in 1849 by Charles Wright in Texas, USA.[ Nymphaea elegans
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Etymology
The specific epithet elegans means fine, elegant, or handsome.
Ecology
Herbivory
Nymphaea elegans has been reported to be an important food plant of in Texas, USA. It makes up 8.7% of their diet's volume.[
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Uses
It finds use as a medicine and for food.
External links
