Charlie Fineran focuses on Water Lilies this week, a topic he admits he’s ignored too long!

Now that I think about it I am amazed that I have not written an article about Water Lilies, sooner!

They have always been a real treat for me to come across in their natural habitats. Providing many moments of enjoyment with their simple yet, dynamic, beauty, AND YES, they almost always provide the additional thrill of having wildlife within that very panorama. I believe my photos will emphasize that very point!

Before continuing let me just “add some fuel to the fire” by better explaining my descriptive wording of “Simple, yet, dynamic.” For me, Water Lilies, bring to mind, simplicity. Think of it, a large, one color tone, flat green leaf, just floating, flat atop the water. Look again at the leaf and basically just a simple circle of green. Even the edges are simple, no frills or jagged points. If there are any complicated portions of this plant, they are hidden from sight by this very leaf under the water! Even when this simple leaf partners up with other lilies, forming a green mantel over the water, it still maintains that simple decorum, just on a larger scale.

Now, let me “throw a fly in the ointment” so to speak! The word simple does not infer ‘BORING’ in any shape or manner. During my visits and photographing sessions with water lilies I am always, looking into the dark sections between the leaves wondering if I will see any fish under the water, OR, any reflections on the water. I will still check out the tops of the leaves for insects. Also, keep in mind, that other word, dynamic. Yes, I just described a monotone green simple leaf, however, looking closely at those leaves you will notice almost a waxy coating giving the leaf an interesting shine. Take the dark areas I just described and think of the word “ebony,” then add descriptions such as pitch black, reflective settings and circumstances where you can look into the water. This all sums up to many contrasts, contrasts that just depend on light sources to create ever changing hues and contrast of colors. Last but certainly not least, add the simple beauty of the flower. During my visits you would always see the flowers at various stages of blooming, whether a narrow shoot, sticking up into the air, awaiting its opening into a full blown flower, OR, witnessing the pockets of colorful petals which have gently opened and spread across the water, again creating that wondrous contrast of color amid the green leaves or ebony waters! It is really something special to witness!

Now, let me repeat my opening statement, “I am amazed, that I have not written an article about Water Lilies sooner!!”

A CLOSER LOOK AT “WATER LILY”

Water Lily – (family Nymphaeaceae), family of 58 species in 3 genera of freshwater flowering plants, native to the temperate and tropical parts of the world.  Water lilies provide food for fish and wildlife but sometimes cause drainage problems because of their rapid growth.  Many varieties have been developed for ornamental use in garden pools and conservatories.  Closely related genera, of the family Cobombaceae, are the water shields and the fanworts.

Water lilies are one of the most beautiful and striking pond plants.  Blooming from June till September, it comes in different colors: white, yellow, pink and red.  In addition to its decorative value, the plant’s foliage provides shade to the animals and plants in the water.  A water lily also has a biological function, it absorbs nutrients from the water, limiting algae growth.

DESCRIPTION

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 born 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 except for the genus Euryale, an annual or short lived perennial found only in Asia.

The genus Nymphaea makes up the water lilies proper, or water nymphs, with 46 species.  The common North American white water lily, or pond lily, is Nymphaea odorata.  The European white lily is N. alba.  Both species have reddish leaves when young and large fragrant flowers.

An interesting article about water lilies and about planting water lilies if you have a pond – https://whataboutgardening.com/plants-and-flowers/water-lilies/

Please check out my Flickr album showing water lilies and wildlife – Wildlife at the Hackettstown Detention Basins | Flickr

And more photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/charliefineran/albums/72177720300778031

Enjoy Your Open Space

Charlie Fineran  

Director Open Space   

Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission – Chairman   

Allamuchy Historical Society – President