Dotleaf waterlily (Nymphaea ampla, Syst. Nat. 2: 54 (1821))

Family: Nymphaeaceae

Author: (Salisb.) DC.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. 2: 54 (1821)

Year: 1821

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nymphaea

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

The Dotleaf Waterlily, scientifically known as Nymphaea ampla, is an aquatic plant that belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. This enchanting species is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of America, where it thrives in still or slow-moving freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and slow streams.

With its striking, expansive leaves that float gracefully on the water’s surface, the Dotleaf Waterlily creates a visually captivating scene. The leaves are notably round or heart-shaped, with a glossy green hue that sometimes reveals a hint of purple or reddish coloring underneath. These leaves not only provide shade and habitat for aquatic life underneath but also contribute significantly to the overall ecosystem by maintaining water quality and offering shelter.

One of its most remarkable features is its alluring blossoms, which are usually white, sometimes tinged with shades of cream or yellow. These flowers, which emerge above the water surface, open during the day and close at night, following a circadian rhythm. The blooms are composed of multiple layers of petals that encircle a vibrant cluster of yellow stamens, emitting a delicate fragrance that attracts various pollinators. This intricate relationship with pollinators is crucial for the plant’s reproductive cycle, ensuring the continuation of its species.

Dotleaf Waterlilies can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction occurs through seed production, while asexual reproduction happens via rhizomes, which are horizontal underground stems capable of producing new shoots and roots. This adaptability allows Nymphaea ampla to colonize new areas effectively and maintain robust populations.

Historically, the Dotleaf Waterlily has also held cultural significance for many indigenous communities across its native range. It has been used in traditional medicine and revered in folklore for its beauty and resilience.

This plant was first described in the early 19th century, with its classification being laid out in the 1821 volume of Syst. Nat. by the noted botanist (Salisb.) DC., marking an important moment in the documentation of aquatic flora.

In summary, the Dotleaf Waterlily (Nymphaea ampla) is more than just a visually stunning addition to aquatic landscapes. It plays a vital ecological role, supports a diverse range of wildlife, and holds cultural and historical significance. Its beauty and function render it a cherished and irreplaceable component of tropical and subtropical aquatic ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: dotleaf waterlily
En: Dotleaf waterlily, Dot-Leaf Water-Lily

Synonyms

• Nymphaea ampla f. distans (Casp.)
• Nymphaea ampla f. superposita (Casp.)
• Nymphaea sinuata (Salzm. ex Planch.)
• Nymphaea ampla var. parviflora (Griseb.)
• Nymphaea ampla f. approximata (Casp.)
• Leuconymphaea ampla ((Salisb.) Kuntze)
• Castalia ampla (Salisb.)
• Nymphaea candolleana (Lehm.)
• Nymphaea ampla var. plumieri (Planch.)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Texas (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Muhammad IDRIS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2021 by Ferrante Juana (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2021 by Ferrante Juana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2021 by Ferrante Juana (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882432)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:605494-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nymphaea ampla (Salisb.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth