Pygmy Water Lily
Nymphaea tetragona
Family: Nymphaeaceae
What it is like
Nymphaea tetragona is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Ponds and shallow lakes in Japan. Ponds, lakes, and quiet streams from sea level to 1200 metres in northwestern N. America.
N.E. Europe to E. Asia and western N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root. No more details are given.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
A water plant requiring a rich soil and a sunny position in still. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7. Best grown in 15 - 30cm of water. There are two basic types of plant in this genus (this species is a clumper): 'crawlers' are species with horizontal roots that often spread freely, with new plants being formed at intervals along the root. These species are useful for naturalising, but they do not flower very freely in the cool summers of Britain. 'clumpers' have vertical roots, they form slowly spreading clumps and produce offsets around the crown. These forms flower much more freely in Britain. A very ornamental plant.
Propagating it: Seed - sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse in pots submerged under 25mm of water. Prick out into individual pots as soon as the first true leaf appears and grow them on in water in a greenhouse for at least two years before planting them out in late spring. The seed is collected by wrapping the developing seed head in a muslin bag to avoid the seed being lost. Harvest it 10 days after it sinks below the soil surface or as soon as it reappears. Division in May. Each portion must have at least one eye. Submerge in pots in shallow water until established.
Best place to grow: Pond;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Water