Freshwater aquaculture

Practical 5 - Study of aquatic weeds

5.3. Emergent weeds

Nymphea sp. (Water Lilly)

• Found in still water bodies
• Leaves leathery, 10-20 cm in dia. Oval to round with deep slit in the margin.
• Leaves float with main veins radiating from the centre
• Solitary flowers, white, pink or purple in colour

Nuphar (yellow Lilly)

• Leaves round and heart shaped.
• Petiole attached to the lower end of the leaf
• Veins radiate from the midrib, running to near margins without forking
• Flower yellow
• Found in waters 2 m deep and in slow moving freshwaters

Nelumbo (lotus)

• Perennial, found in stagnant waters
• Leaves raised about water surface
• Diameter 60-90cm
• Leaf margins upturned
• Petiole attached to middle of each blade
• Large flowers pinkish red in colour

Nymphoides (fringed water lilly)

• Leaves round, float on the surface
• Petiole attached to lower end of leaves
• Veins branch and re-curve to unite with each other
• Flowers small, white or yellow
• Generally each plant with a single leave.