Fragant Water Lily

Description:

This plant is rooted from a branched rhizomes which gives rise to long petioles which terminate in smooth floating leaves. Since the leaves are subject to tearing by water and waves, they are round with a waxy upper coating that is water-repellent. The flowers also float. They are radially symmetric with prominent yellow stamens and many white petals. The flowers open each day and close again each night and are very fragrant. Once the flowers are pollinated, the developing fruit is pulled back under water for maturation.

Habitat:

It can commonly be found in shallow lakes, ponds, and permanent slow moving waters throughout North America where it ranges from Central America to northern Canada. This one was photographed at Brick Pond Park in North Augusta (Aiken County), SC.

Notes:

It is cultivated in aquatic gardens as an ornamental plant. It is invasive and weedy on the west coast of North America.