Clarification Genus Nymphaea Subgenera Lotos

The false information noted implies that Nymphaea lotus (Linnaeus) Willdenow, Nymphaea pubescens Willdenow and Nymphaea rubra Roxburgh are synonymous. Also it is being reported that Nymphaea rubra Roxburgh exist as a mere color form of Nymphaea pubescens Willdenow and that Nymphaea lotus (Linnaeus) is synonymous with Nymphaea pubescens Willdenow. Research has previously and recently revealed that original publications founding these taxons as independent and separate species to be correct. The African Nymphaea lotus is distinctly different from the Indian Nymphaea pubescens Willdenow, as type descriptions indicate. These two true independent species produce their own independent progeny (seed) identical to the parent when selfed, without variations regarding plant morphology, including variable floral color. Likewise, the genuine species Nymphaea rubra Roxburgh (India), when selfed, produces progeny (seed) only identical to the parent without any color variations with regard to flowers and overall plant morphology excepting nutrition variables. The three species, unfortunately, have been so intermingled in present society that actual genuine species material is becoming rare and endangered. In the wild, and certainly regarding commercial aspects, the intermingled specimens are often confused with the genuine species. Research at the IWPR research center etc. has definitely proven that progeny (seed) of the hybrid forms (F1 etc.) between Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaea pubescens and Nymphaea rubra can be and are often variable regarding floral color and minimal plant morphology. Recent research suggests that some of the isolated, associated, formed hybrids are capable of producing progeny identical to their hybrid parent, giving rise to a so called species of its own. This member is often referred to as Nymphaea spontanea. This predominant fertile, and vigorous Nymphaea of the Lotos subgenus is now generally indigenous throughout many portions of the world in the wild and is concentrated in Thailand, Sri Lanka, etc. Nymphaea spontanea and associated hybrids are especially popular raised and sold as aquarium submerged sword plants sometimes referred to and sold as insta-bulbs. The genuine species Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaea pubescens and Nymphaea rubra are inventoried as with most species of the genus Nymphaea at the * International Waterlily Preservation Repository. San Angelo, Texas, United States of America.

Kenneth Landon

November 2007