Nymphaea lotus

Nymphaea lotus, commonly known as the Egyptian white water lily or tiger lotus, is a perennial aquatic plant that belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. Native to Africa and parts of Asia, this plant thrives in shallow freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. The plant features large, round leaves that float on the water's surface. These leaves are green on top and have a reddish-brown underside. The fragrant flowers are adorned with white petals and yellow centers, typically blooming in the summer months. Nymphaea lotus holds significant value in traditional medicine due to its various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects. Additionally, it is prized for its cosmetic benefits, particularly its ability to improve skin texture. Beyond its medicinal and cosmetic uses, Nymphaea lotus plays a crucial ecological role. It provides habitat for a variety of aquatic animals, such as fish and insects, thus contributing to the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems. Overall, Nymphaea lotus is a beautiful and beneficial aquatic plant, offering numerous advantages both medicinally and ecologically. Its presence enriches our natural world in multiple meaningful ways.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Nymphaea

Family

Nymphaeaceae

Hardiness Zone

10-12

Mature Height

46 cm

Mature Spread

1.22 m

Leaf Color

Dark Green, Forest Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Color

White

Flower Size

15.24 cm to 30.48 cm

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Planting Time

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Harvest Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Fall, Early winter

Native Area

Burkina Faso, Somalia, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Angola, Namibia, Madagascar, Rwanda, Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Niger, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Benin, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Cambodia, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Mozambique, Cameroon, Burundi, Ghana, Ethiopia, Romania, Botswana, Congo, Central African Republic, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Philippines, Laos, Bangladesh, Guinea, Chad, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Togo, Papua New Guinea, Senegal, Eswatini, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Congo (DRC), Thailand, Gabon

Tags (5)

Common Names (10)