Nymphaea

The genus Nymphaea refers to aquatic flowering plants commonly known as water lilies. These plants, belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae, are found in freshwater habitats worldwide and are characterized by their floating, waxy leaves and often showy, fragrant flowers. The flowers typically have numerous petals and stamens, and their colors can range from white and pink to red, blue, and yellow.1234

Water lilies provide food for aquatic life and are also cultivated for ornamental purposes in garden pools and conservatories. Some species, like the giant water lilies of the genus Victoria, can have leaves up to 6.5 feet in diameter. The genus Nymphaea itself contains about 46 species, including the North American white water lily (N. odorata) and the Egyptian lotus (N. caerulea).34