Family: Nymphaeaceae
Author: Burm.f.
Bibliography: Fl. indica 120. 1768
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Nymphaea
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Old World to N. Australia
Description
The Red and Blue Water-lily, scientifically known as Nymphaea nouchali, is an enchanting aquatic plant celebrated for its striking beauty and significant cultural presence across various regions. This species was first described in Flora Indica by Burm.f. in 1768, and has since captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Nymphaea nouchali is part of the Nymphaeaceae family, a group of water-lilies recognized for their floating leaves and radiant blooms. This particular species thrives in tropical and subtropical areas, ranging from the Old World tropics to Northern Australia, making it a widespread and resilient member of its family.
The Red and Blue Water-lily is often admired for its vibrant flowers, which can vary in color from deep red to striking blue, providing an attractive spectacle on the water’s surface. These blossoms are not only visually stunning, but also serve vital ecological roles, offering habitat and food for a variety of aquatic organisms, and contributing to the overall health of their ecosystems.
In addition to its ecological importance, Nymphaea nouchali holds cultural significance in many regions where it grows. It is often associated with purity and beauty in numerous traditions and is commonly featured in art and religious iconography.
Overall, Nymphaea nouchali stands as a remarkable example of nature’s artistry, bringing both aesthetic pleasure and ecological benefits to the environments it inhabits. Its expansive range and historical significance underscore the timeless allure of the Red and Blue Water-lily.
Common Names
Deu: stern-seerose
Eng: blue lotus
Swe: stjärnlotus
Khm: លំចង់ផ្កាខៀវ
Kin: marebe
En: Red and blue water-lily, Blue Water Lily, Indian bllue waterlily, Indian waterlily, Lilly, Blue star water-lily, Star lotus, Star-lotus, Blue lotus
De: Stern-Seerose
Km: លំចង់ផ្កាខៀវ
Rw: Marebe
Sv: Stjärnlotus
Synonyms
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Angola (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Chad (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Comoros (native)
- Congo (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Free State (native)
- Hainan (native)
- India (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Nicobar Is. (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Oman (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sri Lanka (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Ascension (introduced)
- Brazil Northeast (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Brazil Southeast (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Tubuai Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Samsara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2020 by Julien Champ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Mally (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2021 by ellie Ellie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 5, 2021 by Erich🦅 Ju (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Ely Oliveira (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 17, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2021 by aleen23 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 24, 2022 by IMMORTAL_2209 (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.
Habit
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2020 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 16, 2019 by sicofante (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 16, 2019 by sicofante (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 8, 2022 by sushma (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Michelle Patrick (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Sudesh Gunarathna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Sudesh Gunarathna (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 6, 2020 by Vieira do Nascimento Paulo (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7326947)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:605643-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f.)
