Nymphaea macrosperma

Nymphaea macrosperma, water lily, is an emergent water plant native to northern Australia.

The water lily occurs in freshwater lagoons, and has large round leaves that float on the water surface.

Vegetative characteristics
The leaves have a dentate margin.

Generative characteristics
The diurnal flowers extend above the water surface.

Publication
It was published by Elmer Drew Merrill and Lily May Perry in 1942. In the same publication, the species was described a second time as Nymphaea dictyophlebia Merr. & L.M.Perry, which is a synonym of Nymphaea macrosperma Merr. & L.M.Perry.

Type specimen
The type specimen was collected by LJ Brass in Lake Daviumbu, New Guinea (British New Guinea) in August 1936.

Position within Nymphaea
It is placed in Nymphaea subgenus Anecphya.

Etymology
The specific epithet macrosperma means large-seeded.

Conservation
The NCA status of Nymphaea macrosperma is Special Least Concern (SL).

Uses
The plant is a traditional Aboriginal bushfood. The seeds are usually described as "sweet like a pea" and are eaten for lunch.