Nymphaea jamesoniana

Nymphaea jamesoniana is a species of waterlily native to the USA (Western Florida), Mexico, and tropical South America.

Vegetative characteristics
Nymphaea jamesoniana is a long-lived, perennial aquatic herb. The abaxial leaf surface is marked with short, dark purple, sometimes bifurcating lines.

Generative characteristics
The granulose, pilose, ellipsoid seeds feature trichomes in longitudinal, interrupted lines.

Cytology
The diploid chromosome count is 2n = 28.

Vegetative reproduction
Stolons and proliferating pseudanthia are absent.

Generative reproduction
Water disperses the seeds (i.e. hydrochory).

Habitat
It grows in various freshwater habitats, such as marshes, canals, shallow waters, flooded ditches, flooded flatwoods, ponds, slowly flowing streams, and lakes. It is intolerant of saltwater.

Taxonomy
Nymphaea jamesoniana was first published by Jules Émile Planchon in 1852.

Type specimen
The type specimen was collected in Ecuador by Jameson.

Placement within Nymphaea
It is placed in Nymphaea subgenus Hydrocallis.

Etymology
The specific epithet jamesoniana honours the Scottish botanist William Jameson (1796-1873).

Conservation
In Puerto Rico, USA it faces habitat destruction. The NatureServe conservation status is secure (G5). In Florida, USA it is considered to be endangered.

Uses
Nymphaea jamesoniana has been employed in the treatment of conditions such as irritated eyes, dysentery, and skin lesions. It has been utilized for its astringent properties. There are claims that its flowers possess narcotic properties. The Chorote people of Argentina use the rhizomes as food. Apart from the Chorote people, the rhizomes are also used by Wichi, Western Toba, and Pilagá.

Cultivation
It is suitable for cultivation in the USDA zones 9a - 10a.