Nymphaea gracilis
Nymphaea gracilis is a species of waterlily endemic to Mexico. It is the only species of its genus which is endemic to Mexico.
Description
Vegetative characteristics
Nymphaea gracilis has very short, subglobose rhizomes densely covered with fibrous roots. The petiolate, glabrous, orbicular floating leaves with dentate margins are 35–40 cm long, and 28–35 cm wide. The adaxial leaf surface is bright green, and the abaxial leaf surface is suffused with purple colouration. The terete, 1.2 cm wide petiole is 60–150 cm long.Generative characteristics
The flowers are 8–10 cm wide, and extend up to 20–40 cm above the water surface. They have four lanceolate, green sepals and 18-20 white sepals. The androecium consists of 60 stamens. The gynoecium consists of 12-15 carpels. The globose 2–3.5 cm wide fruit bears arillate seeds with a reticulate testa, and trichomes.The flowers are fragrant.