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Nymphaea maculata

Species of water lily From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Nymphaea maculata is a species of waterlily native to tropical Africa.[1]

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Description

Vegetative characteristics

Nymphaea maculata is a submerged, perennial, aquatic herb[2] with subglobose rhizomes, and many long, filiform roots. The petiolate, ovate-cordate floating leaves[3] have entire margins. The abaxial leaf surface is spotted.[2] The green abaxial leaf surface with black spotting displays prominent, dichotomous, anastomosing venation.[3]

Generative characteristics

The white, or blueish-white flowers are 3-8 cm wide.[2] The flowers have four sepals,[3] and 5-10 petals.[2] The androecium consists of 30 stamens. The ovary is subglobose, and has 14 stigmatic rays. The carpels have slightly incurved teeth. The multilocular, rounded fruit bears numerous small, arillate,rounded seeds.[3]

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Reproduction

Generative reproduction

Flowering occurs from February to March.[4]

Taxonomy

Publication

It was first described by Heinrich Christian Friedrich Schumacher and Peter Thonning in 1827.[1]

Etymology

The specific epithet maculata means spotted.[5]

Conservation

In Benin, it is regarded as vulnerable (VU).[6] It will face changes in land use, and habitat fragmentation.[7]

Ecology

Habitat

It occurs in ponds,[8] swamps,[9][8] permanent spring pools,[10] acid, shallow, oligotrophic pools, and shallow pools in marshes with very dark waters.[11] It occurs sympatrically with Nymphaea lotus.[2]

Use

The rhizome is edible,[12] and the fruits are eaten as well.[13] In Cameroon, Nymphaea maculata is an important melliferous plant for honey production.[14]

References

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