Nymphaeaceae

Links to Genus Directory of Images:

• Nuphar variegatum
• Nymphaea
• Victoria

Genera : 5

Species: 50

Distribution: Worldwide in aquatic environments.

Economic Uses: As aquatic ornamentals and important food source for aquatic animal species and birds.

Defining Features of Interest: The family has characters which are similar to monocots, but is considered a dicot.

Fossil Evidence: No known fossil record.

Defining Morphology

Floral Features : Actinomorphic and perfect. Flower is large and showy. Inflorescence a solitary flower borne on the surface of the water. Hypogynous.

Fruit and Seed Features : Fruit is berry - like and spongy. Endosperm is present. Placentation is unique, the ovules being borne over the inner surface of the locule.

Vegetative Features : Habit is as an aquatic, perennial herb. Leaves are simple and cordate or orbicular, alternate and either immersed or borne on the surface of the water. Stipules are lacking.