Nymphaea × daubenyana

Nymphaea × daubenyana is a species of waterlily endemic to Chad, but has been introduced to Florida, USA. It is a natural hybrid of Nymphaea micrantha and Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea.

Vegetative characteristics
It has a tuberous rhizome. The cordate, elliptical-roundish, 30 cm wide leaves have an entire margin. The adaxial surface is coloured brightly green with red marks. The abaxial leaf surface is pale - brownish red. Proliferating tissue is found on the leaf blade above the attachment point of the petiole.

Generative characteristics
The blue flowers are 10 cm wide. The narrow petals have an acute apex. The ovules are bitegmic and anatropous. The flowers are fragrant.

Cytology
A chromosome count of 89 or 87 chromosomes has been reported. The diploid chromosome count has also been reported to be 2n = 42.

Vegetative reproduction
Vegetative reproduction through foliar proliferation occurs in Nymphaea × daubenyana.

Publication
It was first named by W.T.Baxter, but only later validly published by Charles Giles Bridle Daubeny (1795-1867) in 1864.

Placement within Nymphaea
It is placed in Nymphaea subgenus Brachyceras.

Etymology
It is named after Professor Charles Giles Bridle Daubeny.

Cultivation
It is suited for cultivation in small ponds, containers, and aquaria. It is a fast growing and floriferous species. Despite being a tropical waterlily, it is relatively cold-tolerant.