Nymphaea × rosea is a complex waterlily hybrid of unclear identity and taxonomic status. It is said to be an artificial hybrid of Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaea pubescens, and Nymphaea rubra occurring in Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Description Vegetative characteristics Nymphaea × rosea is a perennial, aquatic, rhizomatous herb with large, bronze red to bronze green, petiolate, 35 cm long, and 32 cm wide leaves. The petiole is pubescent. Generative characteristics The pink to rose, nocturnal, fragrant or inodorous flowers are up to 18 cm wide. The androecium consists of 50–80 stamens. The gynoecium consists of 16–20 carpels. The ellipsoid seeds bear pink longitudinal ridges.
Taxonomy It was first published as Nymphaea rubra var. rosea by John Sims in 1811. It was treated as a separate hybrid Nymphaea × rosea by Robert Sweet in 1826. It is an artificial hybrid of Nymphaea lotus, Nymphaea pubescens, and Nymphaea rubra. Sometimes, only Sweet is credited as the taxon author. Some sources treat it as a synonym of Nymphaea rubra , or of Nymphaea pubescens It is placed in the subgenus Nymphaea subg. Lotos.USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Plant Germplasm System. 2025. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN Taxonomy). National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. URL: https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=415902. Accessed 2 March 2025. Etymology The hybrid name rosea means rose-coloured or rose-like.
Distribution It occurs in Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Use It is used in water gardens.
References