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Nuphar polysepala
Species of flowering plant From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Nuphar polysepala, also known as the great yellow pond-lily, wokas,[3] or wocus,[4] is a perennial,[5] rhizomatous, aquatic[2] herb[6] in the genus Nuphar native to western North America.[7][8] It is commonly found in shallow muddy ponds from northern Alaska and Yukon southward to central California and northern New Mexico, and can be recognized easily by its large floating leaves and bright yellow blossoms.
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Description
Vegetative characteristics
Nuphar polysepala is a perennial,[5] rhizomatous, aquatic[2] herb[6][5] with spongy, creeping, branching,[9] up to 5 m long,[10] and 3-8 cm wide rhizomes[7] and an extensive root system.[11] The leaves are submerged or floating.[12] The ovate to oblong leaf is 10–45 cm long,[9] and 7–30 cm wide.[7] The terete petiole[13] is up to 2 m long.[13][14]
Generative characteristics
The solitary, pedunculate, bisexual,[13] 5–10 cm wide flowers[7] float on the water surface, or extend beyond it.[15] They have (6–)9(–12)[7] green to bright yellow sepals,[7][13] which occasionally have a red base.[7] The 10-20 green to yellow, thick petals[13] are hidden by the stamens.[16] The strongly ribbed,[13][7] ovoid to cylindric, 4–6(–9) cm long, and 3.5–6 cm wide fruit[7] bears 4 mm long seeds.[17]
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Cytology
Taxonomy
It was published by George Engelmann in 1866.[19][2][20] The lectotype specimen was collected by C. C. Parry in Osborn's Lake, Colorado, USA in 1864.[20] It is placed in the section Nuphar sect. Astylus.[6]
Etymology
The specific epithet polysepala means "with many sepals".[21]
Habitat and ecology
Habitat
It occurs in slowly flowing streams,[14] ponds, and lakes[15][14] in up to 2,4 m deep water.[15] It provides shelter for fish.[9]
Pollination
It is pollinated by flies and beetles.[13]
Conservation
The NatureServe conservation status is T5 Secure.[1]
Uses
Food
The seeds are edible; they pop like popcorn, and can be steamed as a vegetable, dried and ground for flour, or can be cooked like oatmeal.[8] Historically they have been a significant source of carbohydrates for the Klamath and Modoc peoples who inhabit the area near Oregon's Upper Klamath Lake.[22]
Medicinal
Leaves and rootstocks have been used for ulcerous skin conditions and swelling. The rootstock infusion is used as a traditional gargle for mouth, sore throats and douche for vaginal inflammation. The rootstock is prepared from two tablespoon chopped rhizome with one cup boiling water .[8]
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References
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