White water-lily  (Nymphaea alba)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The white water-lily produces Britain's largest flower (4). This plant roots in the mud at the bottom of the lake (5), the circular floating leaves are dark green on the upper surface, and reddish below (2). The flowers also float; the petals are white, often with a pinkish tinge, and the stamens are bright yellow (2). The seeds, which are produced in large quantities, are smooth and olive-green in colour (2).

left