Nuphar orbiculata

Nuphar orbiculata is a species of rhizomatous aquatic plant native to the US-American states Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

Vegetative characteristics
Nuphar orbiculata is a herbaceous, perennial, aquatic plant. The rhizomes are 7-8 cm wide. The petiolate, bright green, orbicular leaves are 20-45 cm long, and 20-45 cm wide. The abaxial surface is pubescent. The petioles are pubescent.

Generative characteristics
The flowers are 6 cm wide. The oblong-obovate sepals are 5 cm long. The stigmatic disk is 2 cm wide. The subglobose, 4-5 cm wide fruit bears ovoid, 4.5 mm long, ridged seeds.

Generative reproduction
Flowering and fruiting occurs in July.

Publication
It was first described as Nymphaea orbiculata Small by John Kunkel Small in 1896. Later, it was included in the genus Nuphar Sm. as Nuphar orbiculata (Small) Standl. published by Paul Carpenter Standley in 1931.

Etymology
The specific epithet orbiculata means round or disc-shaped.

Conservation
It is vulnerable.

Habitat
It occurs in stagnant waters of blackwater rivers, streams, lakes, and acidic lime sink ponds.