Family: Nymphaeaceae
Author: Georgi
Bibliography: Bemerk. Reise Russ. Reich 1: 220 (1775)
Year: 1775
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Nymphaea
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. Europe to Korea and Himalaya, Subarctic America to NW. U.S.A.
Description
The Pygmy Water-lily, scientifically known as Nymphaea tetragona, is a charming aquatic plant that belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. This delicate water-lily is recognized for its role in the ecosystems across a broad geographical range, from Northern Europe stretching to Korea and the Himalayas, as well as from Subarctic America to the Northwestern United States.
First described by the naturalist Georgi during his travels documented in “Bemerkungen einer Reise durch das Russische Reich” in 1775, the Pygmy Water-lily is noted for its smaller size compared to its more familiar relatives. It usually thrives in calm, shallow waters where it can capture sunlight and where its roots can anchor into the soft, muddy substrate.
These water-lilies display elegant flowers that rest on the water’s surface, often white or gently tinged with pink, providing a stark contrast against the lush green, disc-like leaves. The diminutive size of the Pygmy Water-lily’s blooms, coupled with their serene floating habit, adds a delicate beauty to its aquatic habitat.
Botanically intriguing, the Pygmy Water-lily has adapted well to both temperate and subarctic climates, showcasing a remarkable range of adaptability. It plays a crucial role in its ecosystems, offering habitat and food for various aquatic creatures while contributing to the visual and ecological value of water bodies where it is found.
Overall, Nymphaea tetragona is a remarkable example of aquatic flora that combines aesthetic appeal with ecological significance. Its widespread geographic distribution underscores its adaptability and resilience, making it a cherished species among aquatic plants.
Common Names
Deu: zwerg-seerose
Swe: finsk näckros, suomenlumme
Eng: pygmy water-lily, pygmy waterlily, small white water-lily, northern small white water-lily
Fin: suomenlumme
Nob: finsk nøkkerose
Nno: finsk nøkkerose, finsk nykkerose
Fra: nymphéa tétragonal
En: Pygmy water-lily, Small white water-lily, Pygmy waterlily, Northern small white water-lily
Fi: Suomenlumme
Fr: Nymphéa tétragonal
De: Zwerg-Seerose
Nb: Finsk nøkkerose
Nn: Finsk nøkkerose, Finsk nykkerose
Sv: Finsk näckros, Suomenlumme
Synonyms
- Nymphaea alba subsp. tetragona ((Georgi) Korsh.)
- Nymphaea tetragona var. wenzelii ((Maack ex Regel) Vorosch.)
- Nymphaea crassifolia ((Hand.-Mazz.) Nakai)
- Nymphaea fennica (Mela)
- Castalia crassifolia (Hand.-Mazz.)
- Castalia pygmaea (Salisb.)
- Nymphaea pygmaea var. minima (Nakai)
- Nymphaea tetragona var. angusta (Casp. ex Nakai)
- Nymphaea pygmaea ((Salisb.) W.T.Aiton)
- Nymphaea pygmaea var. acutiloba ((Regel) Regel)
- Nymphaea pygmaea var. grandiflora ((Regel) Regel)
- Castalia tetragona ((Georgi) G.Lawson)
- Leuconymphaea tetragona ((Georgi) Kuntze)
- Nymphaea pygmaea f. distans (Regel)
- Nymphaea tetragona var. minima ((Nakai) W.Lee)
- Nymphaea wenzelii (Maack ex Regel)
- Nymphaea pygmaea f. grandiflora (Regel)
- Nymphaea esquirolii (H.Lév. & Vaniot)
- Nymphaea pygmaea f. acutiloba (Regel)
- Nymphaea tetragona var. crassifolia ((Hand.-Mazz.) Y.C.Chu)
- Nymphaea japono-koreana (Nakai)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Altay (native)
- Amur (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Chita (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Xinjiang (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 6, 2019 by de sousa enrique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Muhammad IDRIS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2011 by Michel Germain (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Juha Riihimäki (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Schneider Heidi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 6, 2019 by fenaille marine (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2018 by Juha Riihimäki (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 29, 2009 by EOL − Wen, Jun (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 29, 2009 by EOL − Wen, Jun (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 29, 2009 by EOL − Wen, Jun (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Raja Gopal (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882422)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:171226-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nymphaea tetragona Georgi)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb