Nuphar orbiculata
Nuphar orbiculata is a species of rhizomatous aquatic plant native to the US-American states Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.Description
Vegetative characteristics
Nuphar orbiculata is a herbaceous, perennial, aquatic plant. The rhizomes are 7-8 cm wide. The petiolate, bright green, orbicular leaves are 20-45 cm long, and 20-45 cm wide. The abaxial surface is pubescent. The petioles are pubescent.Generative characteristics
The flowers are 6 cm wide. The oblong-obovate sepals are 5 cm long. The stigmatic disk is 2 cm wide. The subglobose, 4-5 cm wide fruit bears ovoid, 4.5 mm long, ridged seeds.Reproduction
Generative reproduction
Flowering and fruiting occurs in July.Taxonomy
Publication
It was first described as Nymphaea orbiculata Small by John [Kunkel Small] in 1896. Later, it was included in the genus Nuphar Sm. as Nuphar orbiculata Standl. published by Paul [Carpenter Standley] in 1931.Etymology
The specific epithet orbiculata means round or disc-shaped.Conservation
The NatureServe conservation status is T3 Vulnerable.Ecology
Habitat
It occurs in stagnant waters of blackwater rivers, streams, lakes, and acidic lime sink ponds.