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water lily, (family Nymphaeaceae), family of about 60 species in 4 genera of freshwater flowering plants (order Nymphaeales) native to the temperate and tropical parts of the world. Water lilies provide food for fish and wildlife but sometimes cause drainage problems because of their rapid growth.
Water lilies, belonging to the genus Nymphaea, are among the most enchanting aquatic plants commonly found adorning the surface of the waters in a range of colors. Prevalently grown in North America, they are often found in slow streams, ditches, or the hearth of a tranquil pond.
Water lilies are a well-studied family of plants because their large flowers with multiple unspecialized parts were initially considered to represent the floral pattern of the earliest flowering plants. Later genetic studies confirmed their evolutionary position as basal angiosperms.
The flowers of the blue Egyptian water lily (N. caerulea) open in the morning and close at dusk, while those of the white water lily (N. lotus) open at night and close in the morning. Egyptians found this symbolic of the separation of deities and of death and the afterlife.
Nymphaeales, the water lily order of flowering plants, containing 3 families, 6 genera, and 74 species. Members of the order are found in quiet freshwater habitats throughout most of the world, and a number are cultivated for their attractive flowers and floating foliage.
May 1, 2023 · Growing water lilies in a pond brings beauty and serenity to a backyard. Learn how to plant water lilies and find out the best types of waterlilies to grow.
Mar 1, 2024 · Water lilies, plants in the genus Nymphaea, are aquatic blooms that grow in ponds and water gardens. Their green lily pads spread out across the surfaces of freshwater environs and, when warm weather arrives each year, their blooms have spiky, brightly colored petals.
