Blue Waterlily

Afrikaans name: Blouwaterlelie

Photo © Steven Herbert

Nymphaea nouchali

The Blue Waterlily is an attractive plant that is found extensively through Africa.

Flowers are produced all year round but often they close around the middle of the day, only to re-open the next day. The flowers attract numerous Honey Bees.

The leaves are large and oval shaped and often serve as a place for insects to rest. Tadpoles also rest on them if they are partially covered with water.

Apparently Hippos eat the tubers of the Blue Waterlily should they become exposed with the water level dropping.

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References and further reading

A Visitors' Guide to Kirstenbosch - Author: Colin Paterson-Jones - Year Published: - Page: 22

Illustrated Guide to the Wildflowers of Northern South Africa - Author: Gerrit Germishuizen & Brenda Clarke - Year Published: 2003 - Page: 147

Sasol First Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Southern Africa - Author: John Manning - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 4

Sasol First Field Guide to Wild Flowers of Southern Africa - Author: John Manning - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 51

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List of South African Plants