Nymphaea lotus

Egyptian white water lily

With its large white flowers blooming on the water's surface, the Egyptian white water lily is one of the most iconic aquatic plants in tropical gardens. Its elegant blossoms and floating foliage help create peaceful landscapes while offering refuge to many aquatic organisms.
Visible au jardin
Our Species
Nom scientifique :
Nymphaea lotus
Nom vernaculaire :
Egyptian white water lily
Carte d’identité
de l’espèce
Originating from Africa and certain regions of tropical Asia, the Egyptian white water lily is a perennial aquatic plant that thrives in the calm waters of lakes, pools, and ponds. Valued since antiquity for the beauty of its flowers, it now holds a prominent place in many botanical gardens.
Famille :
Nymphaeaceae
Origine géographique :
Tropical Africa, Madagascar, and Tropical Asia
Taille :
Leaves 20 to 50 cm in diameter, flowers 10 to 20 cm
Floraison :
Year-round, with a peak from May to November
Habitat :
Ponds, lakes, and calm freshwaters
Classe :
Magnoliopsida
Ordre :
Nymphaeales

An aquatic flower that opens at dusk

The Egyptian white water lily develops large, round leaves that float on the water's surface thanks to their long, submerged petioles. They create shaded areas appreciated by many aquatic organisms and contribute to the balance of ponds.

Its large white flowers, sometimes slightly pink on the outside, release a delicate fragrance. Unlike many other water lily species, they generally open at the end of the day and remain open throughout the night before closing in the morning. This adaptation promotes pollination by insects active at dusk and during the night.

As they bloom, the flowers elegantly emerge above the water and contrast with the floating green foliage. Like the water lily, the Egyptian white water lily contributes to the richness of the aquatic environments of the Balata Garden by providing a favorable habitat for a wide diversity of small animals.

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