Nymphaea × borealis


Nymphaea × borealis is a species of waterlily native to Sweden, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and East European Russia. It is a natural hybrid of Nymphaea alba and Nymphaea candida.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

The primary leaf nervation of the basal lobes is slightly arched.

Generative characteristics

The floral base is tetragonous. The filament is lanceolate. The gynoecium consists of 14–18 carpels. The slightly concave, yellow stigmatic disk has a hemispherical, short projection in the centre.

Cytology

It exhibits an intermediate genome size.

Reproduction

Generative reproduction

Nymphaea × borealis exhibits lower fertility and pollen production.

Natural hybridisation

Nymphaea × borealis can be formed in areas of sympatric occurrence of the parent species, but the natural hybridisation of both parent species is not very frequent. Genetically confirmed hybrids are a rare occurrence.

Taxonomy

It was first described by Edmond Gustave Camus in 1898.

Etymology

The hybrid name borealis means north or northern.

Ecology

It is a host plant to the phytopathogenic fungus species Rhamphospora nymphaeae.