White water lily. Detailed description of the snow-white water lily

The water lily is a perennial aquatic plant that has a round rhizome and leaves floating on the surface of the water. Large white flowers with numerous petals captivate with their charming appearance. The fruit of the plant is round and green, it ripens directly under water. The water lily blooms in the summer months, from June to September. This unusual plant forms its thickets in slowly flowing or standing waters. As a rule, the water lily settles in lakes and ponds where the depth is no more than two meters. This plant is widespread in the Caucasus, Belarus, Central Asia, the Urals and the Far East.

The rhizomes of the water lily contain a huge amount of tannins, the alkaloid nymphaer and starch. The glycoside nymphalin of the crystalline type was found in the flowers. This plant is indicated for headaches and tumors. Water lily root in the form of a decoction will help get rid of diarrhea and also relieve pain in the bladder. In ancient times, water lily seeds were used for heavy menstruation. A healing decoction of flowers is prescribed for insomnia and jaundice. A unique wine tincture from the roots of the plant relieves severe lacrimation and profuse purulent discharge.

As an astringent, a decoction of the flowers is used to treat discharge from the female genital tract. Water lily is also effective for serious neuroses, neuralgia and rheumatism. It should also be noted that this plant has a powerful antipyretic effect.

Application of water lily

Water lily leaves are recommended for external use as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. The rhizomes of the plant are excellent for relieving pain and unpleasant symptoms at inflammatory processes epidermis. In the form of mustard plasters, it is recommended to use the root part for acute viral infections And colds. Healing tincture of the root is indicated for various tumors of the spleen, as well as for serious malignant tumors.

To make an antipyretic and at the same time a sleeping pill, you need to take 1 tablespoon of fresh petals and boil them in one glass of water. After three hours of infusion, you can take an infusion of 100–120 ml 2 times a day. For heart weakness, it is recommended to mix 4 tablespoons of water lily petals and 4 tablespoons of hawthorn, pour the mixture with 1 liter of boiling water, and then leave for two hours. You should take the medicine 100–150 ml 3 times a day. The minimum course of treatment is so fantastic effective means– at least 14 days.

Water lily flowers

First, graceful buds appear, followed by bright yellow flower crowns. In the evening, the flowers always close, then go under water. The next morning the flower will appear from under the water again. The water lily is firmly attached to the bottom with long roots. The flowers are very similar to the cups of roses, but they are twice as large.

water lily leaf

The rounded leaves of the water lily have a greenish tint. Under water they often turn red. Various types plants differ significantly not only in the depth of immersion, but also in the size of the leaves.

Water lily root

Found in the thick rhizome essential oils, starch, sugars, proteins and a particularly rare alkaloid. A special paste is made from the roots, which has antibacterial, antifungal and antitrichomoniacal effects. A decoction from this part of the plant is indicated for the treatment of tuberculosis and serious illnesses. bladder and kidneys. The healing tincture in significant doses has a tonic and stimulating effect on human body. It should be noted that raw water lily rhizomes are extremely poisonous.

Where does the water lily grow?

There are more than 50 different types of plants, which differ in size and depth of immersion under water. The most common are snow-white, white, tetrahedral, fragrant, tuberous, dwarf, blue, hybrid and tiger water lilies. Many species can be found in the European part of Russia, in Siberia and Transcaucasia, as well as in Central Asia. The water lily settles in steppes and forest areas - where there are ponds, lakes and rivers with standing water.

White water lily

The white water lily is perennial with a large round rhizome. Its flowers and some leaves float on the surface of the water. This type of plant forms its thickets in shallow (up to two meters) reservoirs. Large flowers have graceful numerous petals and a flat stigma of a yellowish tint. The round, green fruit ripens under water. The white water lily blooms all summer months until mid-September. The roots of this plant are used as an excellent astringent, and the infusion of the flowers has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.

Red water lily

The red water lily is a rather slow-growing plant, which with its large rounded leaves can cover the entire surface of a small pond, the depth of which does not exceed 60 cm. It has luxurious cherry-red flowers. So decorative aquatic plant will be an excellent decoration for your backyard pond.

Yellow water lily

The yellow water lily is considered a very rare variety because it has atypical flower colors. This elegant plant prefers ponds with a depth of 25 to 50 cm. This elegant water lily with golden flowers is perfect for artificial ponds.

Contraindications to the use of water lilies

All medicines containing any parts of the water lily should be consumed internally with great caution. It is not recommended to independently increase the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Moreover, this plant is contraindicated for hypotensive people, as it helps lower blood pressure.

• Where does the water lily grow?
• where are water lilies

Water lily is a genus of herbaceous aquatic plants from the water lily family. Their natural habitat is standing or slowly flowing fresh water in subtropical and temperate climates. The plant is found in the Far East, the Urals, Central Asia, Russia, Belarus and neighboring countries. In addition to the usual name, it is called “water lily”, “child of the sun” or “nymphea”. The water lily is shrouded in various legends. According to one of them, the white nymph turned into a water flower because of her unrequited love for Hercules. According to other beliefs, every flower has an elf friend. You should definitely decorate your own small pond with this flower, because in addition to aesthetic pleasure, the owner receives a lot of health and household benefits.

Appearance of the plant

Water lily is an aquatic perennial with a long horizontal rhizome. It clings to the silt and grows deeper with shorter vertical shoots. The thickness of the cord-like horizontal roots is about 5 cm. Large petiolate leaves grow from the buds at the nodes of the stem. Some of them may be located in the water column, but most are located on the surface. The heart-shaped, almost rounded leaf plate is distinguished by its high density. Its size is 20-30 cm in diameter. The edges of the leaves are whole, and the surface can be one-color or two-color: green, brown, pinkish, light green.

In May-June the first flowers begin to appear. The flowering period can last until frost, although an individual flower lives only 3-4 days. In the evening, the petals close, the peduncle shortens and pulls the flower under water. In the morning the reverse process occurs. Usually the corolla consists of 4 sepals, which are similar to petals, but are more saturated in color. Behind them, in several rows, are large oval petals with a pointed edge. The color of the petals can be white, cream, pink or red. The latter develop into smaller flattened stamens. A pistil is visible at the very core. The diameter of a water lily flower is 6-15 cm. The flowers exude a pleasant aroma of varying intensity.

After pollination, the peduncle contracts and curls, carrying the ripening fruit under water in the form of an oblong seed pod. After final ripening, the walls open, releasing small seeds covered with thick mucus. At first they are on the surface, and when the mucus is completely washed away, they sink to the bottom and germinate.

Due to the deterioration of the ecological situation, siltation and shallowing of water bodies, the number of water lilies has greatly decreased. The population decline was also influenced by the extermination of plants for medicinal purposes. Some species, for example, white water lily, are already included in the Red Book.

Types of water lilies

According to the latest data, the Water Lily genus includes more than 40 plant species.

Water lily snow-white (pure white). The inhabitant of Central Russian ponds is distinguished by a particularly powerful root system with tuberous growths on the rhizome. Fleshy petioles carry leaves and flowers to the surface of the water. Solid bright green leaves on the surface of the water are 20-25 cm wide. They have a rounded shape with a dissection at the point where the petiole is attached. The first buds open at the end of May or beginning of June, they replace each other until late autumn. The maximum number of flowers is observed in the second half of summer. Snow-white fragrant flowers with a diameter of 10-15 cm consist of several rows of pointed ovoid petals and a lush core with yellow stamens.

Plants live in Eurasia and North Africa. Quite large leaves reach a width of 30 cm, but have a disproportionate structure of the plate. At the beginning of summer, creamy-white flowers with a diameter of about 15 cm bloom. Larger petals are located in the outer circle, and towards the center they gradually become smaller and turn into several rows of stamens.

The inhabitant of northern Siberia has very modest dimensions. The diameter of its pinkish-white flowers does not exceed 5 cm.

A group of decorative water lilies bred specifically for use in the garden. The reason for this is the poor survival rate of wild plants in cultivation. The most popular varieties:

• Alba is a plant 40-100 cm high with large snow-white flowers;
• Rosea - large corollas with a pink cup and pale pink petals bloom on shoots 0.2-1 m long;
• Gold Medal – golden flowers with many narrow petals located on a shoot up to 1 m long;
• James Brydon – small terry cherry corollas consist of wide and round petals, they grow on a stem up to 1 m long;
• Blue Beauty - Large green leaves surround flowers with blue petals and a golden center.

The colors of the water lily species are usually dominated by shades of white or pink, but some claim to have seen a yellow water lily. Such a plant really exists, but belongs to a different genus - Capsule. The genera are very similar in leaf structure and habitat. Both belong to the same family. At the same time, the flowers have a more modest size and do not exceed 4-6 cm in diameter. The petals themselves are wider and rounder.

Features of reproduction

Propagating water lilies is very difficult. Even experienced florist not every attempt will be successful. Seed propagation usually only possible in the natural environment in the south of the country.

Vegetative methods show the best results. To do this, you need to remove the rhizome and cut it into pieces so that each section has at least one bud. The cut areas should be sprinkled with charcoal. All manipulations must be carried out quickly enough, because the plant does not tolerate drying out the roots. It is placed in a container with water and sludge. If there are several leaves on a piece, some of them should be removed so as not to weaken the plant.

Secrets of care

The use of decorative water lilies is an excellent solution for small ponds. They grow best in a well-lit, open place, but can also grow in slight shade. In full shade the plant will not die, but you may not see flowers. To prevent the entire surface of the water from becoming covered with vegetation, 1-4 m² of reservoir must be allocated for each specimen. Water lilies grow best in still, calm water or with little current. Constant seething is contraindicated for them, so plants near the fountain will die.

Planting is carried out in May-June. Although you can place the root directly on the bottom of the reservoir, it is more convenient to plant the nymph in a bucket or large plastic container. In winter, the plant can be removed so that it does not freeze in a shallow, completely frozen pond. The soil mixture is made up of the following components:

• peat;
• garden soil;
• river sand;
• compost.

The growing point should remain on the surface when planting. To prevent the soil from floating up and the seedlings from being washed away, the surface is weighted with pebbles. The depth of immersion depends on the height of the particular variety. It can be only 20 cm or reach 1 m. First, the container with the plant is placed in a shallow part so that leaves appear faster. As they grow, the water lily is immersed deeper and deeper. Such movements are possible only during the growing season. With the appearance of buds, fluctuations in water level are contraindicated.

Nymphea needs feeding. It can serve as a fertilizer bone meal. It is mixed with clay and formed into balls. They are immersed in the soil near the roots.

When planting, it is necessary to take into account the degree of winter hardiness of the varieties. Some of them are preserved even in severe frosts. Most often these are tall varieties in a spacious reservoir. Otherwise, the container with the water lily is removed and transferred to a fairly cold and dark room, and early spring After the ice melts, it is returned to the pond. Rare night frosts will not harm the plant.

Water lilies are not afraid of diseases; they have a very strong immune system. In extreme heat, aphids can settle on a plant in a body of water that is too shallow. The harm it does to the entire water lily is small, but the flowers may fall off without opening. The succulent leaves also attract snails. The use of insecticides can lead to poisoning of the entire reservoir, so it is better to use mechanical methods to remove pests. The snails are collected, and the aphids are washed off with a stream of water.

Medicinal properties

All parts of the plant contain large amounts of active substances such as starch, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, fatty oils, proteins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides. The crushed raw materials are brewed and taken orally to combat headaches, amenorrhea, insomnia, hepatitis, bladder spasms, diarrhea, and tumors. External use of the decoction helps get rid of inflammation on the skin.

Many active substances in excess do more harm to the body than they benefit. They should not be abused; it is best to take the drugs under the supervision of a doctor. Also contraindications are allergies and a tendency to hypotension.

Family: water lilies, or nymphaeae (Nymphaeaceae).

Motherland

The water lily plant is found in water bodies of temperate, subtropical and tropical regions around the globe.

Form: herbaceous plant.

Description

Water lily (water lily, nymphea) is a genus of herbaceous plants, including many species. The water lily is an exclusively decorative flower; many species are grown in cultivation. The leaves of the water lily are round in shape, green or reddish in color, freely floating on the surface of the water. Water lily flowers are floating or raised above the water on long straight peduncles. Different types of water lilies differ greatly both in the depth of immersion and in the diameter of flowers and leaves - from dwarf to completely huge.

The largest water lily in the world is the Amazonian water lily Victoria regia, named after the beautiful English queen. This is a giant water lily with leaves up to two meters in diameter, supporting the weight of a teenager (up to 50 kilograms) and amazing flowers that change color and aroma.

Winter-hardy water lily species

Water lily pure white , or snow-white water lily (N. candida) is a plant with powerful rhizomes and large (about 20 centimeters in diameter) dark green leaves. It blooms throughout the summer, but is not the most prolific of water lilies. The flowers are about 10 centimeters in diameter, snow-white, in accordance with the name. The stamens are bright yellow. An individual nymphea flower of this species lives for 3-5 days.

(N. alba) - distinguished by larger (up to 15 centimeters in diameter) flowers and leaves (about 30 centimeters). The leaves of the white water lily are dark green on top and reddish on the back. The flowers are creamy in color and come in pink and red forms. The root of the white water lily is located horizontally. White water lilies grow at depths from 50 centimeters to 2.5 meters.

Water lily tetrahedral (N. tetragona) - a medium-sized nymph with white or pinkish flowers up to 5 centimeters in diameter.

tuberous water lily , or knobby (N. tuberosa) is a large white-flowered water lily with fast-growing horizontal rhizomes. Depths of more than a meter are preferred.

Fragrant water lily (N. odorata) - very fragrant water lily. Rhizomes are horizontal, fast growing. The flowers are white or pink. Prefers depths from 40 to 80 centimeters. The leaf of the fragrant water lily is bright green, reddish on the back.

Dwarf water lily (N. pygmaea) - water lily, very different small in size. The flowers are only 2-2.5 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are oval, dark green, crimson on the back. Planting depth - up to 30 centimeters. Suitable even for very small bodies of water.

Hybrid water lily (N. hybridum) - joint name garden species and varieties obtained through selection. Includes a wide variety of shapes and colors.

Non-winter-hardy species

Blue water lily (N. caerulea) - with fragrant blue or pinkish flowers. The blue water lily has narrow, pointed petals. Other names for the species are Nile water lily.

Spotted water lily , or tiger water lily (N. maculata) - an interesting species with variegated underwater leaves. The flowers are white, small (5-6 centimeters in diameter). Tiger nymphea blooms at night.

Growing conditions

Water lily is a flower that prefers sunny ponds. There are varieties that are quite shade-tolerant, but even for them full sunlight for at least a few hours a day is desirable. It is necessary to provide the water lily with opportunities for development: the area of ​​​​the water surface that the nymph will occupy can be several square meters(depending on the type and variety). In addition, water lilies prefer stagnant or slow-moving ponds. flowing water. Accordingly, where water lilies grow, there should be no fountains or waterfalls. With a strong current, the plant will develop more slowly and flowering will be weakened.

Application

Water lily (water lily) is used for landscaping. A pond with water lilies will always look beautiful and will add natural charm and special charm to any garden. In July-August, when water lilies bloom, your site will look incredibly exotic. Of course, a lake with water lilies will look especially picturesque in.

Non-winter-resistant types of water lilies are used mainly in aquariums. However, it is quite possible to grow water lilies of non-winter-hardy species in garden ponds, provided that wintering is provided for them.

Care

In summer, the nymph requires practically no care. You can feed water lilies with granular fertilizer from time to time. One of the most important points is ensuring the wintering of water lilies. In a large body of water, winter-hardy water lily species can overwinter without any special shelter. If the water from the pond drains for the winter, you can cover the water lilies with peat, sawdust, and fallen leaves. Another option is to place containers of water lilies in buckets of water and bring them into the basement. Non-winter-resistant types of water lilies overwinter in aquariums or other containers in a warm and bright room.

Reproduction

Reproduction of water lilies is possible by cuttings of rhizomes, as well as by seed. Water lily seeds are sown in the soil at the bottom of a reservoir or in containers immersed in water. You can pre-germinate nymph seeds in warm water. Garden soil mixed with clay and sand is used as soil for nymphs. In this case, nymphs are planted in a reservoir in May - early June.

Rhizomes for division are selected with buds. It is advisable to immediately plant the separated piece of rhizome into a pond or keep it moist until planting. The cuttings are planted horizontally and sprinkled. After this, the container is placed in a pond. It is recommended to place the container with the plant in a shallow place in the spring, and then, as it grows, move it to greater depths.

You can learn more about how to plant water lilies, as well as about growing nymphs from the special one.

Diseases and pests

Water lily (nymphea) is a plant that gets sick extremely rarely. Among the pests, water lilies can be affected by aphids. As a rule, the plant itself does not suffer, but the buds may die without opening. The easiest way to wash off pests is with a stream of water from a hose. You should use insecticides in a pond with extreme caution so as not to poison the water or disturb its microflora.

Popular varieties

Varieties of dwarf water lily:

Varieties of tuberous water lily:

• - bright pink water lily with large flowers.

The water lily, also known as the nymph, became known thanks to one of the ancient Greek legends, according to which an unrequited nymph in love disappeared forever in the depths of the sea, turning into a flower. For a long time, the water lily has been associated with the mystical inhabitants of the underwater world.

Many ancient Greek drawings, sculptures and carvings that have survived to this day testify to the beauty and reverence of this amazing plant, with which it was customary to decorate one’s home, to perpetuate the image of a flower in sculpture and to paint ancient temples with images of water lilies. The water lily or white lotus was immortalized in the whole complex of Egyptian buildings near the Temple of Amun.

Water lily, plant description

Blooming water lilies exude a pleasant, lasting aroma.

Root system lies shallow, well developed. It has one main stem and several additional ones. The diameter of the flowers ranges from 12 to 20 cm. The leaves are fleshy, bright green, and reach about 25 cm in size.

One of the very first and famous species. Another species is called the Egyptian lotus or Egyptian lily. Blue water lily inhabited coastal zone River Nile, then began to settle throughout Africa, India and Thailand. The foliage of the plant is sinewy, large, about 35 cm long. Flowers with such large foliage seem small, reaching a size of 16-20 cm. The shade of the petals varies, from sky blue to cornflower blue, lilac and blue.

Tiger water lily

It is distinguished by large dark green leaves, uneven tiger color.

The distinctiveness of the tiger water lily is created by the pattern of the leaves (brown and red spots). Differs in seasonality, does not tolerate frost, and is suitable for growing in aquariums. Africa is considered the birthplace of the tiger nymph. The flowers are small, white or cream in color. The root system is well developed and does not tolerate fast flows and cold water bodies.

Water lily Victoria Regia or Amazonian nymphea

Another species of impressive size. The Victoria water lily was discovered by the German botanist and naturalist Eduard Pelling in the 19th century. The Amazonian water lily blooms only once a year, blooming only at night, and sinks under the water before dark.

The shade is perhaps the most large flower changes during flowering from white to pink. When in full bloom, the Amazonian water lily can reach 35 cm. Victoria Regia has a persistent, noticeable aroma, and its foliage can support the weight of a teenager.

Yellow water lily is a perennial, with a well-developed root system lying deep in the ground. It has underwater small foliage with jagged edges, on short petioles.

The above-water floating leaves are ovoid, large, up to 20 cm in diameter. The flowers are large, green on the outside and yellow on the inside. They reach a size of about 17 cm. Flowering occurs in June and lasts almost until September.

water lily

Water nymph, from the water lily family. By botanical characteristics similar to the white water lily, has medium-sized floating foliage and small underwater leaves. The flowers are emergent, reach medium size, have a cream color and a bright yellow center. Water lily is used in pharmacology, and starch is obtained from the roots.

The most popular varieties of water lilies among flower growers were recognized as:

Alba (large, snow-white flowers), Gold Medal (yellow flowers with a large core), James Brydon variety (a very beautiful variety with large, fluffy, burgundy corollas), Blue Beauty (has memorable blue flowers with a yellow core), Rosea ( pink flowers, with a bright purple cup).

Growing water lilies

To ensure that the process of growing water lilies does not cause unnecessary trouble, take the choice of planting material seriously. It’s not for nothing that they say: “The miser pays twice.” Buy now planting material in specialized stores or borrow from trusted flower growers.

Warm summer months are considered a suitable period for planting water lilies. The plant can be immediately planted on the bottom of the reservoir, but it is worth considering that water lilies are terrified of frost and cold, so looking ahead, you should take this fact into account and plant the plant in a deep container, and only then install it on the bottom of the reservoir, this will make it easier to remove the flower and send for the winter.

You can get a planting substrate for water lilies in the store by purchasing ready-made soil for water lilies, or you can prepare it yourself. The optimal composition can be considered a layer of peat of 4 cm and 10 cm of turf soil with sand in equal parts.

During planting, make sure that the growth bud is on the surface of the pot; stick feeding balls made of clay mixed with mineral fertilizers onto the roots of the water lily.

3-4 pieces the size of a paintball ball will be enough. Afterwards, the rhizome is placed in a pot on a layer of peat and covered with prepared soil mixture on top, leaving room for a layer of river pebbles to weigh it down.

Immediately after planting the water lily, the plant must be placed at the bottom of the reservoir; the optimal depth for immersing the pot is usually calculated based on the varietal data of the plant. Dwarf varieties are placed at a depth of half a meter, tall ones from a meter or more; the growth bud of a water lily will serve as a guide for you.

In order for the water lily to develop faster, it is better to place it in shallow water before the first leaves appear. When the first two floating leaves appear, the pot with the plant is deepened.

Plants planted on time will bloom in your first year of growing season, and some varieties will delight you with even several blooms.

When planting, pay close attention to the cold resistance of the variety you choose. Some types of water lilies can survive mild winters without additional shelter, for example, water lily or snow-white water lily. Most often, high survival rate of water lilies is observed only in tall varieties whose rhizomes lie deep under water.

But if in your region the winter is long and harsh. For the winter, water lilies should be removed from the reservoir and sent to a dark, cool place, and with the onset of spring, after the ice has melted, returned to the reservoir.

Caring for water lilies in the garden

Nymphea is an unpretentious plant and caring for it will not be difficult. In their usual wild environment, water lilies grow without care, multiplying and blooming on time. However, do not allow the water lily to cover the surface of the water with its leaves; this may lead to the flowers becoming smaller.

Dead flowers and yellowed foliage should be removed from the pond to prevent the water from “blooming.” In order for the plant to produce more flowers, do not leave the water lily more than two floating leaves.

Make sure that the plant has enough space in your pond; do not plant too many nymphs in small reservoirs.

Small artificial reservoirs with standing water are subject to periodic cleaning. After removing the water lily for the winter, the reservoir should be drained and cleaned of dirt and debris, and with the arrival of spring it should be filled with fresh water. clean water, let it brew for about a week and begin planting the water lily again. A week before planting, the water lily should be watered with mineral fertilizers.

Diseases and pests of water lilies

The water lily is not susceptible to disease and is extremely rarely attacked by insects. The plant has a fairly strong immune system.

However, in the hot months, stagnant bodies of water are often inhabited by the pitcher leaf beetle, a small brown beetle whose larvae devour floating leaves.

The method of combating it is simple: damaged foliage is removed, and the larvae will have to be collected manually, since most insecticides are dangerous for water bodies, causing its poisoning and the death of living creatures.

Another enemy of the “queen of ponds” can be called aphids. Small insects spoil appearance flower and cause premature flowering of the plant. The fight against aphids involves only a mechanical method, for example, washing off harmful insects with a stream of water. Attracting entomophages to a pond can also be a life-saving option in pest control.

The main problem with the extinction of water lilies today remains not pests and diseases, but the constantly deteriorating ecology and human interference in the population of the plant species.

The drainage of water bodies and the collection of water lilies on an industrial scale led to the catastrophic extinction of this amazing and beautiful plant. Some species of nymphs are already included in the Red Book, and if “man” does not come to his senses, we may completely lose one of the most beautiful flowers on Earth.

The water lily - a charming and delicate white water lily - is nothing other than the famous fairy-tale overpowering grass. Rumor ascribes magical properties to it. She was endowed with the properties of protecting people, she could give strength to overcome the enemy, protect them from troubles and misfortunes, but she could also destroy the one who sought her with unclean thoughts.

The Slavs believed that the water lily was able to protect people from various troubles while traveling. Going on a long journey, people sewed water lily leaves and flowers into small amulet bags, carried them with them as an amulet and firmly believed that this would bring them good luck and protect them from misfortunes.

There was also a kind of spell for this occasion: “I am driving in an open field, and in an open field the grass grows. I did not give birth to you, I did not water you. Mother earth gave birth to you, simple-haired girls and women who rolled cigarettes watered you. Overcome the grass! evil people: they wouldn’t think badly of me, they wouldn’t think anything bad; drive away the sneaky sorcerer.

Overcome the grass! Overcome high mountains, low valleys, blue lakes, steep banks, dark forests, stumps and logs. I will hide you, overpowering grass, near a zealous heart along the entire path and along the entire path!”
Common names: grass grass or white grass, balabolka, floating fish, mermaid flower or mermaid color, water poppy or water poppy, bliskalka, beaver, white hens, water companion, water color, white water lily.
The water lily is beautiful! This is one of the most beautiful plants. Since ancient times, the white water lily has been considered a symbol of beauty, purity and mercy. These large flowers with a golden mean grow in quiet reservoirs of our rivers and lakes. The water lily nymph is also called the “child of the sun”: its beautiful flowers open in the morning and close at dusk.



"The blue lotus, or blue water lily (lat. Nymphaea caerulea) is an aquatic plant of the water lily family, a species of the genus Water Lily growing in East Africa (from the Nile Valley to the extreme south of the continent), India and Thailand."

There are many legends about the origin of this wonderful plant. They say that it got its name in honor of the nymphs that live, like these plants, in water. As is known from Greek mythology, nymphs are deities of nature: forests, mountains, lakes, rivers and seas. It's no surprise that the flowers named after them are beautiful. In Slavic fairy tales, the idea of ​​water lilies is associated with the mysterious image of a mermaid.

Scandinavian legends say that each water lily has its own friend - an elf, who is born with it and dies with it. According to popular beliefs, nymphs live in its flowers and leaves along with little elves. Leaves and flowers serve as boats for these little elves.
The corollas of flowers serve as both a home and a bell for the elves.

During the day, the elves sleep in the depths of the flower, and at night they swing the pestle and ring the bell, calling their brothers to a quiet conversation. Some of them sit in a circle on a leaf, dangling their legs in the water, while others prefer to talk, swaying in the corollas of water lilies.

When they get together, they sit in the capsules and row, row with oars, and the capsules then serve as boats or boats for them. The elves' conversations take place at a late hour, when everything on the lake has calmed down and fallen into deep sleep.

Lake elves live in underwater crystal palaces built from shells. Pearls, yachts, silver and corals sparkle around the palaces. Emerald streams roll along the bottom of the lake, strewn with multi-colored pebbles, and waterfalls cascade onto the roofs of the palaces. The sun shines through the water into these dwellings, and the moon and stars call the elves to the shore.

Switzerland, Goldfish and Lily

The ancient Greek legend about the water lily tells how a beautiful white nymph, inflamed with love for Hercules and did not receive a response from him, turned into a white water lily out of grief and love for him.
IN Ancient Greece the flower was considered a symbol of beauty and eloquence. Young girls wove garlands from them, decorated their heads and tunics with them; they even wove a wreath of water lilies for the beautiful Helen on her wedding day with King Menelaus and decorated the entrance to their bedroom with a wreath.

The legend of the North American Indians says that the water lily appeared during the collision of the Polar and Evening Stars, from their sparks. These two stars argued among themselves who would get the arrow that the great Indian chief shot into the sky and collided in flight.

According to North German belief, water lilies grew on the site of two dead mermaids who were killed by an evil nix (a mermaid in ancient German mythology) who lived in the lake.
In Germany they said that once a little mermaid fell in love with a knight, but he did not reciprocate her feelings. Out of grief, the nymph turned into a water lily.


"Karelian Nymphea"

According to another legend, water lilies are the children of the beautiful countess, carried away into the mud by the king of the swamp. The grief-stricken countess went to the shore of the swamp every day. One day she saw a marvelous white flower, the petals of which resembled the complexion of her daughter, and the stamens resembled her golden hair.

There is a belief that nymphs (mermaids) take refuge in the flowers and leaves of water lilies, and at midnight they begin to dance in circles and carry away people passing by the lake. If someone managed to somehow escape from them, then grief would dry him up.

In the distant past, the entire coastal strip of Italy, from Pisa to Naples, was occupied by swamps. There the legend of the beautiful Melinda and the swamp king was born. The legend is that the water lilies are the children of the beautiful blond Countess Melinda and the ugly, scary swamp king who kidnapped her. Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful Melinda.


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And the swamp king was watching her all the time. The king's eyes twinkled as he looked at beautiful girl, and although he was scary as hell, he nevertheless became Melinda’s husband, and the yellow water lily, the closest relative of the white water lily, which has long personified betrayal and deceit, helped him get the beauty.
While walking with her friends near a swampy lake, Melinda admired the golden floating flowers, reached for one of them, stepped on a coastal stump in which the lord of the bog was hiding, and he carried the girl to the bottom.


""scarlet flower"-2"

At the site of her death, snow-white flowers with a yellow core emerged. So, after the deceiving water lilies, water lilies appeared, meaning in the ancient language of flowers: “You must never deceive me.”


Water lilies, Nikitsky Botanical Garden, Crimea

The egg pod blooms from late May to August. At this time, next to the floating leaves you can see large yellow, almost spherical flowers sticking high on thick stalks.

The egg capsule has long been considered folk medicine healing plant. Both the leaves and the thick rhizome lying on the bottom, up to 15 centimeters in length, and large, good-smelling flowers, reaching 5 centimeters in diameter, were used.

They also tore off the egg capsule in order to decorate the home with flowers. And in vain: the flowers of the egg capsule, like the white lily, do not stand in vases.


Kubyshka

The white water lily is protected by law, since there are very few of them left in the reservoirs of rivers and lakes. The water lily blooms for a long time, from late May to August. White lily flowers open in the early morning and close in the late evening.



"There are nymphs on our lake. Rumor has it that some enthusiast dived from a boat and landed... Praise be to him. A little far from the shore... But away from vandals..)))"

If you come to the lake early in the morning, you can watch these flowers emerge from the water. This is an unforgettable sight! Something begins to rise from the depths of the lake, and a large bud appears on the surface.

In a matter of minutes it turns into a beautiful white flower. There’s another one nearby, a little further away... What’s surprising is that the buds emerge just before sunrise, and open as soon as sun rays touch the surface of the water.

You won't find them in the same position all day. From morning to evening, flowering water lilies follow the movement of the sun, turning their floating head towards its rays. At noon they open all their petals. Then their flowers begin to gradually close and the flower looks like an unopened bud.

And here something interesting happens: the closed water lily flowers begin to slowly sink into the water. These lashes-stems, shortening, draw the flowers along with them. Water lilies love the sun very much, a little clouds will come and they will slowly begin to close.

The water lily leaf is buoyant, like a raft, simple in appearance, heart-shaped and thick, like a cake; There are air cavities inside it, which is why it does not sink.


There is several times more air in it to support its own weight, the excess of which is necessary for unforeseen accidents: if, say, a bird or a frog lands, the leaf must hold them.