Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis


Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis is a subgenus of the genus Nymphaea.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Species of Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis are perennial, rhizomatous, aquatic herbs with contractile roots. The floating, petiolate leaves are orbicular to elliptic and have an entire margin.

Generative characteristics

The flowers are nocturnal and float on the water surface. The carpels have enlarged, clavate carpellary appendages. The flowers emit solvent-like, pungent, fermented, or fruity fragrances.

Taxonomy

Publication

It was first described as Nymphaea sect. Hydrocallis Planch. by Jules Émile Planchon in 1853. Later, it was elevated to the status of the subgenus Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis Conard by Henry Shoemaker Conard in 1905.

Species

Distribution

The distribution of species within this subgenus extends from the southern United States through Central America, and the Caribbean to South America.

Ecology

Pollination

Flowers of Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis are pollinated by Cyclocephala beetles.