Nymphaea caatingae is a species of waterlily endemic to Northeast Brazil.[1]
Description
Vegetative characteristics
Nymphaea caatingae is an aquatic herb.[2] It has stoloniferous, subglobose tubers. The floating leaves are attached to the stem by glabrous, non-brittle, 2.3-8 mm wide,green to reddish petioles, which have two primary central air canals, as well as six smaller secondary ones.[3] The leaf blade is ovate, suborbicular to orbicular in shape and has flat and entire margins.[2] The apex of the leathery lamina is obtuse.[3]
Generative characteristics
Flowering occurs throughout the year.[3] The nocturnal flowers float on the water surface.[2] They have non-brittle, glabrous, brownish peduncles with six central primary air canals and twelve smaller secondary, peripheral ones.[3] There is an abrupt transition from the white petals to stamens and staminodia are absent.[2] The ellipsoid, ruminate, pilose seeds have trichomes arranged in interrupted, longitudinal lines.[2]
Reproduction
Vegetative reproduction
Proliferating pseudanthia are present,[2] which enable rapid vegetative reproduction under volatile environmental conditions.[4] Stolons are produced as well, but the proliferating pseudanthia are the main mode of vegetative propagation.[3]
Generative reproduction
The nocturnal, protogynous flowers last for two days. Autogamy does not occur. Fruit set has only been observed after cross pollination.[3]
The type specimen was collected by C.T. Lima on the 13th of December 2009 in the municipality Itaberaba on the road to Ipirá in the state of Bahia, Brazil.[3]
The specific epithet caatingae refers to the Caatinga.[3]
Ecology
Habitat
In the Caatinga, it grows in temporary ponds, and in stagnant water.[3] It is endemic to Brazil and occurs in the Caatinga, as well as the Atlantic rainforest.[2]
^ abcdefgPellegrini, M. O. O. & Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. (n.d.). Nymphaea caatingae C.T.Lima & Giul. Flora E Funga Do Brasil. Retrieved December 8, 2023, from https://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br/FB623375