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Nymphaea pedersenii
Nymphaea pedersenii is a species of waterlily native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay.[1] DescriptionVegetative characteristicsNymphaea pedersenii has ovoid to subglobose tubers.[2] The broadly elliptic leaf blade is up to 31 cm long and 22 cm wide.[3] The coriaceous blade of the floating leaves is connected to non-brittle, brownish, glabrescent, 7.1−10 mm wide petioles with a ring of trichomes at the apex. It has two primary central air and six secondary peripheral air canals.[2] The leaf venation is actinodromous.[4] Generative characteristicsThe nocturnal flowers float on the water surface.[4] The syncarpous gynoecium consists of approximately 39 carpels with clavate, cream-coloured, curved, 1.2−1.8 cm long and 2−4 mm wide appendages. The globose apex shows rosy colouration.[2] The ellipsoid, granulose, pilose seeds have trichomes arranged in continuous longitudinal lines.[4] CytologyThe diploid chromosome count is 2n = 18.[3] ReproductionVegetative reproductionIn Argentina, the main mode of reproduction relies on stolon formation.[3] Proliferating pseudanthia are absent.[2] Generative reproductionThis species is not autogamous and outcrossing is obligatory.[3] Flowering occurs throughout the year.[2] TaxonomyIt was first described by Wiersema in 1987 as Nymphaea amazonum subsp. pedersenii, but later it was elevated to a separate species Nymphaea pedersenii by C.T.Lima and Ana Maria Giulietti in 2021.[1] Type specimenThe type specimen was collected by Wiersema, Vanni and Schinini in a lagoon in Itatí, Corrientes, Argentina on the 15th of April 1982.[3] Placement within NymphaeaIt is placed in Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis.[3] EtymologyThe specific epithet pedersenii honours Troels Myndel Pedersen.[3] EcologyHabitatIn Brazil, it was observed in a stream with up to 3 m depth in the state Pará and in permanent or temporary lagoons in the Pantanal.[2] In Argentina, it was observed growing in a lagoon.[3] PollinationIt is pollinated by the beetle species Cyclocephala mollis.[3] Beetles have been found trapped within the flowers.[2] References
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