Family: Nymphaeaceae
Author: (Timm) DC.
Bibliography: Syst. Nat. 2: 61 (1821)
Year: 1821
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Nuphar
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic & Temp. Eurasia
Description
The least-water-lily, scientifically known as Nuphar pumila, is a remarkable aquatic plant belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae. This species is particularly noted for its resilient nature and adaptability to a variety of climatic conditions which contribute to its prevalence across subarctic and temperate zones in Eurasia.
First delineated by the renowned botanist Timm and later classified further by DC., the least-water-lily has been a subject of considerable interest since its scientific classification was published in the ‘Systema Naturae’ in 1821. The aquatic habitat of Nuphar pumila facilitates rich biodiversity, supporting myriad forms of aquatic life. This plant typically thrives in calm, still waters such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, where it can root itself in the soft, muddy bottoms.
Nuphar pumila, while modest in stature compared to some of its larger relatives, holds a unique charm and vital ecological role. The plant features floatation capabilities and characteristic leaves that rest upon the water’s surface. These floating leaves are often round or oval-shaped and cue a shiny, vibrant green hue which helps in photosynthesis and transpiration. The flowers of the least-water-lily are usually yellow and although they may appear diminutive, they play a crucial role in local pollination processes.
The plant’s adaptation to both subarctic and temperate climates indicates a high level of resilience and an ability to withstand varying environmental pressures. Through harsh winters and moderate summers, Nuphar pumila showcases an impressive range of tolerance that allows it to persist where less hardy species might fail.
Ecologically, least-water-lily provides essential benefits. By creating shaded areas within water bodies, it helps regulate water temperature and provides habitat and protection for aquatic fauna, thus contributing to the stabilization and health of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, its root systems assist in sediment stabilization, reducing water turbidity and erosion along the water body’s floor.
To marvel at the least-water-lily is to appreciate a delicate yet robust component of aquatic biodiversity, intertwined with the ecological kaleidoscope of Eurasia’s water bodies. The study and conservation of Nuphar pumila continue to be vital, ensuring this understated yet ecologically significant plant remains a thriving element of our natural world for future generations to observe and enjoy.
Common Names
Dan: dværg-åkande, liden åkande
Deu: kleine teichrose, zwerg-teichrose
Eng: least water lily, least-water-lily, least water-lily, least yellow water-lily
Swe: dvärgnäckros, konnanulpukka
Fin: konnanulpukka
Lav: maza lepe
Nno: soleinykkerose, soleinøkkerose
Nob: soleinøkkerose
Sme: deaggaloppan, gottebealljerássi
Cym: bwltis lleiaf, bwltys lleiaf, lili melyn y dŵr lleiaf, lili’r-dŵr fach
En: Least-water-lily, Least Water-lily, Least water lily, Least Yellow Water-Lily, Dwarf Dock
Be: Гарлачык жоўты малы
Zh: 水蓮花, 臺灣萍蓬草, 萍蓬草
Cs: Stulík malý
Da: Dværg-åkande, Liden åkande
Nl: Kleine plomp
Et: Väike vesikupp
Fi: Konnanulpukka
Fr: Nénuphar nain, Petit Nénuphar jaune, Nénufar nain
De: Kleine Teichrose, Zwerg-Teichrose, Zwerg-Mummel
Hu: Törpe vízitök
Is: Dvergvatnalilja
It: Ninfea minore
Lv: Maza lepe
Lt: Mažažiedė lūgnė
Se: Deaggaloppan, Gottebealljerássi
Nb: Soleinøkkerose
Nn: Soleinykkerose, Soleinøkkerose
Fa: نیلوفر آبی زرد کوچک
Pl: Grążel drobny
Ru: Кубышка малая
Sk: Leknica malá
Es: Nenúfar enano
Sv: Dvärgnäckros, Konnanulpukka
Zh-tw: 萍蓬
Zh-hant: 萍蓬草
Uk: Глечики малі
Cy: Lili’r-dŵr Fach, Bwltis Lleiaf, Bwltys Lleiaf, Lili Melyn y Dŵr Lleiaf
Synonyms
- Nymphaea pumila ((Timm) Hoffm.)
- Nymphaea lutea var. pumila (Timm)
- Nuphar lapponica (Laest.)
- Nuphar lutea subsp. pumila ((Timm) Beal)
- Nymphozanthus pumilus ((Timm) Fernald)
- Nuphar lutea var. pumila ((Timm) A.Gray)
- Nenuphar pumila ((Timm) Bluff & Fingerh.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Altay (native)
- Amur (native)
- Austria (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- Belarus (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Chita (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- South European Russi (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Jul 23, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Christophe RAGUE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2020 by Marilyne Renou-Garcias (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2020 by DarkHaworthia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Archaniol Gabriel (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Ivan Dědek (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Marzocchi Monica (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2020 by kac_mrzenova (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 20, 2018 by Gym Skuteč (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6435002)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:605460-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nuphar pumila (Timm) DC.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Bunch
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 9
Soil nutriments: 2