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The Nymphaeaceae is a relatively small family (ca. 8 genera, 90
species). The members of the family are highly specialized for the aquatic habitat
and are found in fresh waters throughout the world. The family has been of great interest to taxonomists as being a possible link between the monocots and dicots. Nymphaeaceae have many monocotyledonous characteristics, including scattered vascular bundles in the stem and a tendency toward reduction of the cotyledons. Nymphaeaceae are cultivated as ornamentals for their lovely flowers and leaves. The Victoria water lily, native to South America, has some of the largest leaves of any flowering plant. The rhizomes of some Nymphaeaceae are eaten in Asia. |
