Nymphaea ampla

Family: Nymphaeaceae

What it is like

A waterlily. The leaves are usually slightly longer than wide. They emerge reddish then turn green. They are reddish purple underneath. The veins are easy to see. The leaves have small black specks. The edge of the leaf is wavy and there are teeth. The leaves are 38-50 cm across. The leaves and stalks spread out 2.5 m wide. It flowers in daytime. The petals are white with a yellowish green flush. The flowers are 10-14 cm across.

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Antilles, Bahamas, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), Cuba, Dominican Republic (country/location of origin), Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Lesser Antilles, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, Puerto Rico, South America (country/location of origin), Suriname, USA, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Roots, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Flor de agua, Loto azul

Synonyms

Castalia ampla Salisb.; Nymphaea ampla (Salisb.) DC. var. plumieri Planch.;