Nymphaea novogranatensis explained

Nymphaea novogranatensis is a species of waterlily native to Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela.^[1]

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Nymphaea novogranatensis is an aquatic herb with ovoid rhizomes, which are stoloniferous in the initial growth phase. The broadly elliptic-ovate to suborbicular, subcoriaceous to skin-like, 24 cm long and 21 cm wide leaves have a green adaxial surface. Purple spotting occurs on younger foliage. The brownish purple abaxial leaf surface may also feature dark spotting.^[2] The glabrous, 5 mm wide petioles have 2-4 primary and 6-8 secondary air canals.

Generative characteristics

The nocturnal flowers either float on the water surface, or are slightly emergent.^[3] They are attached to the glabrous, 7.5 mm wide peduncle with 5, 6, 15, or 18 primary air canals.

The flowers are slightly fragrant.

Cytology

The diploid chromosome count is 2n = 28.^[4]

Reproduction

Vegetative reproduction

The rhizomes of Nymphaea novogranatensis are stoloniferous in the initial growth phase. Proliferating pseudanthia are absent.

Generative reproduction

Nymphaea novogranatensis depends on sexual reproduction. Contrary to other Nymphaea species, autogamous seed production is less fruitful. Therefore, it is more reliant on cross-pollination.

Taxonomy

It was first described by Wiersema in 1984.

Type specimen

The type specimen of Nymphaea novogranatensis was collected by from a small depression along the road by Wiersema and González in Guarico, Venezuela on the 31st of August 1981.

Placement within Nymphaea

It is placed in Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis. It is closely related to Nymphaea tenuinervia.

Etymology

The specific epithet novogranatensis is a demonym for Colombia, formerly called Nueva Granada.^{[5] [6]}

Conservation

In Mexico, it is threatened with extinction.^{[7] [8]} Nymphaea novogranatensis is vulnerable to habitat loss resulting from human activities.

Ecology

Habitat

In Mexico, Nymphaea novogranatensis grows in temporary puddles found in low, open regions of thorny scrublands dominated by Parkinsonia aculeata. It occurs sympatrically with Nymphaea amazonum, Nymphaea jamesoniana, and Nymphaea pulchella.^[9] It also occurs in flooded savannahs, lagoons, and puddles. It has a disjunct distribution.^[10]

Pollination

Nymphaea novogranatensis is pollinated by beetles.^[11]

Notes and References

1. 281439-2 . Nymphaea novogranatensis Wiersema . 25 December 2023.
2. Wiersema, J. H. (1987). A monograph of Nymphaea subgenus Hydrocallis (Nymphaeaceae). Systematic Botany Monographs, 1-112.
3. Wiersema, J. H. (1984). Systematics of Nymphaea subgenus Hydrocallis (Nymphaeaceae). I. Four New Species from the Neotropics. Brittonia, 36(3), 213–222. https://doi.org/10.2307/2806510
4. Loehne, C., Borsch, T., & Wiersema, J. H. (2007). "Phylogenetic analysis of Nymphaeales using fast-evolving and noncoding chloroplast markers." Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 154(2), 141-163.
5. Fernández Casas, F. J. (2016). The genus Spigelia Linnaeus (1753). The origin of its scientific names. Biblioteca Digital. https://bibdigital.rjb.csic.es/idurl/1/1526302
6. Mazza, G. (2018, September 17). Erythroxylum novogranatense. Monaco Nature Encyclopedia. Retrieved December 25, 2023, from https://www.monaconatureencyclopedia.com/erythroxylum-novogranatense/?lang=en
7. Comisión Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO). (n.d.). Ninfa del Istmo (Nymphaea novogranatensis). EncicloVida. Retrieved December 25, 2023, from https://enciclovida.mx/especies/166042-nymphaea-novogranatensis
8. MODIFICACIÓN del Anexo Normativo III, Lista de especies en riesgo de la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, Protección ambiental-Especies nativas de México de flora y fauna silvestres-Categorías de riesgo y especificaciones para su inclusión, exclusión o cambio-Lista de especies en riesgo, publicada el 30 de diciembre de 2010. (2010, December 30). Diario Oficial De La Federación. Retrieved December 25, 2023, from https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5578808&fecha=14/11/2019
9. Alejandro Novelo, R., & Wiersema, J. H. (2000). "Three new records of aquatic vascular plants in Mexico." Acta Botanica Mexicana, (51), 53-60.
10. Mora-Olivo, A., Villaseñor, J. L., & Martínez, M. (2013). "Las plantas vasculares acuáticas estrictas y su conservación en México." Acta botánica mexicana, (103), 27-63.
11. Madriñán, S., Rial, A., Bedoya, A. M., Fernández, M. (2017). "Plantas acuáticas de la Orinoquia colombiana." p. 32. Kolumbien: Universidad de los Andes.