Nuphar shimadae Hayata (yellow water lily)

Family nymphaeaceae

A unique aquatic species to Taiwan, the scarce Nuphar shimadae Hayata (yellow water lily) is a perennial herb. It was originally seen to distribute in low elevation swamps or pools in central and northern Taiwan. At the present, because of islandwide repopulation and reintroduction, the yellow water lily is now widely planted in the ponds of wetlands all over Taiwan. The leaves are long oval or broadly ovate, floating at the water level. The entire base is arrow-heart-shaped and on the edge is a deep crevice parting to the center. The leaf surface is glossy. Flowering from summer to autumn, the yellow water lily bears single flowers, with the pedicel thick and long, sticking out of the water surface. The corollas are cup-shaped, with 4 to 6 yellow sepals, shaping like petals, whose feature is sanguine stigmas. The color of the flowers is golden yellow, an excellent ornamental plant.