Nymphaea gracilis

Nymphaea gracilis is a species of waterlily endemic to Mexico. It is the only species of its genus, which is endemic to Mexico.

Vegetative characteristics
Nymphaea gracilis has very short, subglobose rhizomes densely covered with fibrous roots. The petiolate, glabrous, orbicular floating leaves with dentate margins are 35–40 cm long, and 28–35 cm wide. The adaxial leaf surface is bright green, and the abaxial leaf surface is suffused with purple colouration. The terete, 1.2 cm wide petiole is 60–150 cm long.

Generative characteristics
The flowers are 8–10 cm wide, and extend up to 20–40 cm above the water surface. They have four lanceolate, green sepals and 18-20 white sepals. The androecium consists of 60 stamens. The gynoecium consists of 12-15 carpels. The globose 2–3.5 cm wide fruit bears arillate seeds with a reticulate testa, and trichomes. The flowers are fragrant.

Generative reproduction
Nymphaea gracilis is facultatively xenogamous.

Publication
It was first described by Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini in 1832.

Placement within Nymphaea
It is placed in Nymphaea subgenus Brachyceras.

Etymology
The specific epithet gracilis means thin, slender or graceful.

Conservation
It is considered to be in danger of extinction.

Habitat
It grows in canals, swamps, shallow ponds,dams, and lakes.

Pollination
The flowers attract flies and bees. The bee species Apis mellifera is the most important pollinator of Nymphaea gracilis, followed by the fly species Allograpta obliqua, and Asemosyrphus sp.

Use
The rhizomes are eaten both by humans and livestock.

Cultivation
It has been used in artificial hybridisation to create new waterlily cultivars.