Nymphaea gardneriana
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| Nymphaea gardneriana | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Nymphaea cf. gardneriana Planch. with several floating leaves, as well as submerged leaves with scale bar (50 cm) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Order: | Nymphaeales |
| Family: | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus: | Nymphaea |
| Subgenus: | Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis |
| Species: | N. gardneriana |
| Binomial name | |
| Nymphaea gardneriana Planch.[1] | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Nymphaea gardneriana is a species of waterlily native to Cuba and tropical South America.[1]
Vegetative characteristics
Nymphaea gardneriana is a polymorphic species.[2] It exhibits a high degree of phenotypic plasticity and adapts its shape in response to different environmental conditions.[3] Its stoloniferous rhizome is ovoid.[2] Floating leaves have five, or rarely 4, primary veins. The leaf surface is glabrous and marked with irregular violet spotting.[4] The colouration of the foliage varies with the light intensity it is exposed to. In direct sun, the leaves turn bright red due to anthocyanins, providing protection of tissues against radiation damage through sunlight.[5][6]
Generative characteristics
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The floating flowers are attached to the stem by an up to 6 mm wide, glabrous peduncle with 5-6 central primary and 10-12 peripheral secondary air channels.[2] The floral fragrance has been described as very pleasant.[8] It has also been described as pungent, fermented, fruity, or solvent-like. It is primarily composed of methyl hexanoate and methyl 2-methylbutanoate.[7] The floral fragrance is primarily emitted from the innermost tepals, as well as petaloid stamens.[9]
Cytology
The chromosome count is n = 14.[10]
Reproduction
Vegetative reproduction
In most populations the main mode of reproduction is through the formation of stolons. Each individual plant is capable of forming many stolons.[2][11]
Generative reproduction
In natural settings, fruits are rarely produced, although Nymphaea gardneriana easily sets fruit through artificial pollination in cultivation. Sexual reproduction occurs rarely and the main modus of reproduction relies on vegetative reproduction through stolons. It does not form tubiferous flowers.[2][11]
Habitat
This adaptable plant can thrive in various freshwater environments. In rivers, it displays a submerged growth pattern, while in lakes, it develops floating leaves. For example, it has been documented in the Sucuri River in Brazil, known for its clear water. Additionally, it can be found in both natural and artificial lakes within the Pantanal, characterised by clayey soils and murky water rich in organic matter.[3]
Taxonomy
It was first described by Jules Émile Planchon in 1852.[1]
Type specimen
The type specimen was collected by Mr. G. Gardner in Brazil.[12]
Placement within Nymphaea
It is placed in Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis.[2]
Conservation
In Cuba, it is considered to be endangered. Current threats include the loss and degradation of habitats caused by blockage and pollution from waste, agricultural practices, subsistence livestock, and the impact of invasive species.[13]