Nuphar × rubrodisca


Nuphar × rubrodisca is a species of rhizomatous aquatic plant native to Canada and the USA. It is a natural hybrid of Nuphar variegata and Nuphar microphylla.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Nuphar × rubrodisca has 1–2.5 cm wide rhizomes. The petiolate leaves float on the water surface, or are more rarely submersed. The submerged leaves are orbicular.

Generative characteristics

The red stigmatic disk has 8-15 stigmatic rays.

Reproduction

Vegetative reproduction

It can reproduce vegetatively through rhizome fragments.

Generative reproduction

It can be sterile or fertile. The fertility rates are much lower than those of the parental species.

Taxonomy

Publication

It was first described by Thomas Morong in 1886.

Natural hybridisation

Hybridisation events of both parental species are believed to have occurred many times independently from each other.

Conservation

The NatureServe conservation status is T4 Apparently Secure.

Ecology

Habitat

It occurs in streams, tidal waters, ponds, and lakes at elevations of 0–400 m above sea level. It occurs almost exclusively within the overlapping ranges of the parental species.