Nymphaea ondinea facts for kids

Nymphaea ondinea is a special kind of flowering water plant. It belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family, also known as the water lily family. This plant is native to the northwestern part of Australia.

Scientists first thought this plant was so different that it belonged to its own group, called Ondinea purpurea. But later studies looked closely at its genes and structure. They found that even though it looks a bit unusual, it is actually a true member of the Nymphaea genus, which includes many other water lilies.

About the Nymphaea ondinea

This plant grows from a special underground stem called a rhizome. This rhizome is like a thick root that helps the plant survive. Nymphaea ondinea is often found in places that don't have water all year round. These include temporary ponds and rivers that dry up for a long time.

How It Survives Dry Times

When the water disappears, the rhizome of the Nymphaea ondinea stays hidden in the drying mud. This allows the plant to survive the dry season. When the rains return and the water fills the pools again, the plant can start growing once more. This ability to survive dry periods makes it very tough.

What Makes It Special

Nymphaea ondinea is a bit different from other water lilies. It doesn't have some parts that most other Nymphaea plants do. For example, it lacks a special covering called an aril on its seeds. It also doesn't have certain parts of its flower, like a full corolla (the ring of petals). These missing features make it stand out among its water lily relatives.

Where It Lives

This plant is quite small. It grows in shallow creeks, especially in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. The Kimberley Region is known for its beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife.

The rhizome of the plant is usually about 2.5 centimeters (about 1 inch) long. Its leaves can grow to be about 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long. Most of its leaves stay underwater. However, sometimes you might spot a small leaf floating on the surface of the water.