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water lily
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Two pink water lily flowers (Nymphaea species) blooming among round green lily pads on the surface of a pond. Santa Cruz water lily water lilies European white water lily Amazon water lilies Santa Cruz water lily Amazon water lily Water lilies (Nymphaea) mangrove; water lily
See how the petals of a white water lily flower open and fold in on themselves to keep the flower watertight when closed
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Two pink water lily flowers (Nymphaea species) blooming among round green lily pads on the surface of a pond.
Water lilies in bloom Blooming water lilies (Nymphaea species) in a pond.

water lily

plant family
Also known as: Nymphaeaceae
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

water lily, (family Nymphaeaceae), family of about 60 species in 4 genera of freshwater flowering plants (order Nymphaeales) native to the temperate and tropical parts of the world. Water lilies provide food for fish and wildlife but sometimes cause drainage problems because of their rapid growth. Many varieties have been developed for ornamental use in garden pools and conservatories. Closely related genera, of the family Cobombaceae, are the water shields and the fanworts. Most species...

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