Water Lilies

Family: Nymphaeaceae

In the realm of plants, the water lily is truly a testament to nature’s artistry.

Habitat 

Look for water lilies in quiet, shallow waters with muddy bottoms. This includes wetlands, shallow lakes, and slow-moving rivers, all around the world.

Food 

Water lilies have long, creeping underwater roots to gather nutrients and minerals from the water and soil. They produce their own food through their leaves by photosynthesis.

Behaviour 

With roots and rhizomes anchoring them in the bottom mud, long stems are sent up to the water surface. Leaves from the stems will float or rise just above the surface. Flowers will either rise from the water or float on the surface and be pollinated by insects, like beetles. The fruit contains many tiny seeds that eventually sink to the bottom or float away on the water. Beavers, muskrats, moose, deer, and ducks all eat water lilies.

Conservation  

Water lilies are widespread and play an important role in shading the water and providing habitat for fish, frogs, insects, and more. They are of low conservation concern.

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