nénuphar

The nénuphar, commonly known as water lily, is an aquatic flowering plant belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae. These plants are characterized by their large, round leaves that float on the water surface and their showy flowers that bloom in various colors including white, pink, yellow, and blue. Nénuphars are found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. The plants have a root system anchored in the soil beneath the water, with long stems connecting the leaves and flowers to the roots. Nénuphars play an important ecological role in aquatic ecosystems, providing shade and shelter for fish and other aquatic organisms. They are also culturally significant, appearing in art, literature, and religious symbolism in many cultures. Several species of nénuphar are cultivated for ornamental purposes in water gardens, though some invasive species can disrupt natural ecosystems when introduced outside their native range.