Nuphar variegata

Lore & Background

Nuphar variegata was first validly published by Elias Durand in 1866 based on previous work by George Engelmann. It is placed in the section Nuphar sect. Astylus. The specific epithet variegata, from the Latin variegatus, means variously coloured. Together with Nuphar microphylla, it forms the natural hybrid Nuphar × rubrodisca. The NatureServe conservation status is T5 Secure.

Reader's Guide

Nuphar variegata is a rhizomatous, perennial aquatic herb with 2.5–7 cm wide rhizomes. Its leaves are submerged or floating, with most being floating leaves; submerged leaves measure 7–35 cm long and 5–25 cm wide, and the petiole is flattened. The 2.5–5 cm wide, yellow flowers float on the water surface or extend beyond it, featuring 6 yellow sepals that enclose small petals. The gynoecium consists of 7–28 carpels, and the green to yellow, or rarely red stigmatic disk with 7–28 stigmatic rays is 8–20 mm wide. The fleshy, strongly ribbed, ovoid fruit is 2–4.3 cm long and 2–3.5 cm wide, bearing 2.5–5 mm long seeds. The chromosome count is 2n = 34. It occurs in ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers in up to 2 m deep water. Its significance lies in its widespread native range across Canada and the northern US, its role in forming a natural hybrid with Nuphar microphylla, and its secure conservation status.

Did You Know?

• Nuphar variegata has a chromosome count of 2n = 34.
• It forms the natural hybrid Nuphar × rubrodisca with Nuphar microphylla.
• The specific epithet variegata means 'variously coloured' in Latin.
• Its flowers have 6 yellow sepals that enclose the small petals.