Tuberous Water-lily, White water lily
Nymphaea odorata subsp. tuberosa

Family: Nymphaeaceae

What it is like

A waterlily. The new leaves have a purple tinge. They become green. They are also green underneath. The leaves are round. They have a split which is an open V. The leaves are 18-25 cm across. The flowers have white petals. There are 27-31 petals. The flowers are 10-23 cm across.

There are about 50 Nymphaea species. The seeds are rich in starch, oil and protein.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in ponds and quiet water. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canada, Europe, North America, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The young unrolling leaves and unopened flowerbuds can be boiled for 5-10 min. and served with butter. The seeds can be fried like popcorn or parched and the winnowed kernels ground into flour. The rootstock produces brown tubers that can be cleaned and boiled. They are bitter.

Edible parts

Tubers, root, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Nymphaea tuberosa Paine;