water lilyArticle Free Pass water lily (family Nymphaeaceae),
any of 58 species in 6 genera of freshwater plants native to the
temperate and tropical parts of the world. Most species of water
lilies have rounded, variously notched, waxy-coated leaves on
long stalks that contain many air spaces and float in quiet
freshwater habitats. The stalks arise from thick, fleshy,
creeping underwater stems that are buried in the mud. The showy,
fragrant, solitary flowers are borne at or above the water
surface on long stalks that are attached to the underground
stems. Each cuplike flower has a spiral arrangement of its
numerous petals. The flowers of most species have many stamens
(male reproductive structures). Some flowers open only in the
morning or in the evening to attract insect pollinators. The
fruit is usually nutlike or berrylike. Some fruits ripen
underwater until they rupture or decay, and the seeds then float
away or sink. Some water lilies also have submerged leaves. All
members of the family are perennial e