2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Nymphoides - plant for water bodies and coastal areas; perennial plant of the Shift family (Menyanthaceae). Another name is bog flower. Under natural conditions, the nymph is found in standing water bodies of temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Currently, about 20 species are known, only two species are grown in Russia. Some species of nymphaean are listed in the Red Book.
Characteristics of culture
Nympheinic is a flowering and highly decorative herbaceous deep-sea plant with leaves and flowers floating on the surface of the water, blooming in June-September. Shoots are green, rooting, underwater, up to 3-3.5 m long. The leaves are large, rounded, up to 5-15 cm in diameter, outwardly similar to the leaves of a water lily. The flowers are yellow, the edges are fringed, collected in small inflorescences of 3-5 pieces, 3-4 cm in diameter. The flowers rise 5-8 cm above the water surface. The flowering is short, lasts only a day. Seeds are smooth, shiny, broadly oval, grayish-olive, often with dark spots.
Common types and their characteristics
* Nymphaean nymphaeum (lat. Nymphoides peltata) - the species is represented by perennial plants found in water bodies and coastal zones throughout the Russian Federation, in particular in the Far East, in Eastern and Western Siberia, in the Caucasus, as well as in the southern regions. Other names of the species Villarsia bennettii (lat. Villarsia bennettii) or limnanthemum water lily (lat. Limnanthemum nymphoides). Plants have rounded floating leaves about 5-6 cm in diameter, often with brown spots all over the surface and wavy edges. The flowers are yellow, with fringed edges, up to 4-5 cm in diameter, outwardly similar to buttercup flowers. It develops quite quickly, takes root without any problems, instantly fills the empty space of the reservoir.
* Korean nymphaean (lat. Nymphoides koreana) - the species is represented by plants with medium-sized leaves and flowers. In general, by morphological features, the species is very close to the bristly nymphaean. Widespread in Korea and Manchuria, less common in Russia. When a pond or body of water dries up, the plants form terrestrial forms, which is their distinctive feature. The leaves of the Korean nymphaean are round, floating, 3-4 cm in diameter. The flowers are white with a yellow center, 2-3 cm in diameter. The petals of the flowers are dissected, on the inside are equipped with long cilia, fringed along the edge.
Growing conditions
Nymphaean is an undemanding plant, but it grows and develops best in reservoirs that are lit throughout the day. Any soil is suitable for growing a crop; the nymphaean is planted either in the ground at the bottom of the reservoir, or in special containers hidden in the silt. the planting depth of the botanical flower varies from 5 to 60 cm. Otherwise, the nymphaean is unpretentious, sometimes very aggressive in terms of growth.
Reproduction
Nymphaean plants are propagated by cuttings and division of rhizomes. It is advisable to carry out such procedures in the spring or summer. Since the plant grows on its own, it does not require intervention, it is only necessary to place a stalk or a cut in a pond, it will instantly turn into a beautiful meadow.
Care
The nymphies do not need special care. The main task is to carefully control the rapid growth, periodically removing excess shoots, preventing the transformation of a reservoir or pond into a real swamp. For the winter, the plants are covered, although in cold regions it is stored in basements or cellars. The culture is practically not affected by diseases and pests, therefore it does not need preventive treatments.
Application
The nymphaean is widely used in landscape design. It is used for landscaping medium and large natural and artificial reservoirs, made in a landscape style. For small ponds, the plant is not suitable because the plant grows too quickly. Due to the fact that the nymphaean is unpretentious, it easily takes root in rustic-style gardens.
The bog flower is often used as a food and medicinal plant. Its stems, leaves and flower buds are edible, and are used in many countries to prepare various dishes. In folk medicine, nymphaean is used as an antipyretic and diuretic, helps with burns, ulcers, bruises and tumors.
