Water Lily

Nymphaea alba, commonly known as the Water Lily, is an aquatic perennial plant native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It features large, round, floating leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom on the water's surface. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Water Lilies serve as an important component of aquatic ecosystems by providing habitat and food for insects, amphibians, and fish. They help improve water quality by stabilizing sediments and reducing nutrient levels, which can mitigate algal blooms. In a food forest system, Water Lilies can be part of the aquatic layer, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Historically, Water Lilies have been used in traditional medicine and as a food source. They are also valued for their aesthetic appeal in ornamental water gardens.

Water Lilies require full sun and still or slow-moving water. They thrive in rich, loamy soil with a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture. Plant them in containers submerged in ponds or lakes to control their spread. Companion plants like cattails and reeds can enhance the ecosystem by providing additional habitat and filtering capabilities. Regularly prune dead leaves and flowers to promote healthy growth and prevent decay. Harvest seeds in late summer when they are mature, and store them

The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Nymphaea alba</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.

Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> — Global Biodiversity Information Facility