Nymphaeaceae -- the waterlily family (5/50; widespread--temperate & tropics)
Habit rhizomatous aquatic herbs with milky sap
Leaves large, alternate, simple, long petioles; blades deeply cordate (to peltate); submersed and floating leaves; estipulate
Inflorescence solitary, long pedicel (peduncle)
Perianth actinomorphic, showy
Calyx 4-many sepals, distinct or basally connate
Corolla 8-many petals (rarely 0), distinct or basally connate;usually grading into petaloid, laminar stamens
Androecium many stamens, laminar; spirally arranged
Gynoecium 5-many carpels, connate; style absent to short, enlarged radiate stigma; superior to half-inferior
Fruit= spongy berry
(Floral formula: Ca 4- ? Co 8- ? A ? G 5- ? )