Nuphar × rubrodisca is a species of rhizomatous aquatic plant native to Canada and the USA. It is a natural hybrid of Nuphar variegata and Nuphar microphylla.
Description Vegetative characteristics Nuphar × rubrodisca has 1–2.5 cm wide rhizomes. The petiolate leaves float on the water surface, or are more rarely submersed. The submerged leaves are orbicular.Morong, Thomas. (1886). Revision of the North American Species of Nuphar. Botanical Gazette, 11(7), 164--169. https://doi.org/10.1086/325965
Generative characteristics The red stigmatic disk has 8-15 stigmatic rays.Nuphar X rubrodisca (Intermediate Pond-lily): Minnesota Wildflowers. (n.d.). Retrieved May 5, 2024, from https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/intermediate-pond-lily
Reproduction Vegetative reproduction It can reproduce vegetatively through rhizome fragments.
Generative reproduction It can be sterile or fertile.Nuphar rubrodisca in Flora of North America @ efloras.org. (n.d.-b). Retrieved May 5, 2024, from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=233500818 The fertility rates are much lower than those of the parental species.
Taxonomy Publication It was first described by Thomas Morong in 1886.
Natural hybridisation Hybridisation events of both parental species are believed to have occurred many times independently from each other.
Conservation The NatureServe conservation status is T4 Apparently Secure.
Ecology Habitat It occurs in streams, tidal waters, ponds, and lakes at elevations of 0–400 m above sea level. It occurs almost exclusively within the overlapping ranges of the parental species.Padgett, D. J., Les, D. H., & Crow, G. E. (1998). Evidence for the hybrid origin of Nuphar × rubrodisca (Nymphaeaceae). American Journal of Botany, 85(10), 1468-1476.
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