Nuphar orbiculata
Nuphar orbiculata is a species of rhizomatous aquatic plant native to the US-American states Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
Description
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.
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
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.