Pond-Lily.Nymphæa odorata.Water Nymph.
Found in still, clear water in July.
The flowers and leaves rise to the water’s level from the submerged root.
The large leaf (4 or more inches long) is nearly round,—swinging out from the true circle at its heart-shaped base into two little points; its margin is entire; the ribs scarcely show on the upper side, radiating in faint lines from a heart-shaped figure outlined on the base of the leaf, but they are strongly marked on the under side; the surface is smooth and shining, and the texture is fine and firm. The color is a dark strong green above, and a fine coppery-red beneath. The leaf floats flat upon the surface of the water, anchored to the root by a long, elastic, round, red stem.
The many petals of the large flower are long, narrow, pointed, and hollowed like a shallow canoe; of a close, firm texture, and usually a pure brilliant white color. The numerous stamens are a pure cadmium-yellow. The 4 calyx-parts are shaped like the petals, dull green on the outside, and often tinged with pink on the edges and inside. The flower on the top of its long red stem floats on the water.
The fragrant Water Nymph is said to open at sunrise, closing about ten o’clock in the morning, and remaining shut during the heat of the day to open again later. The contrast of its brilliant white with the heart of gold is beautiful, with a charm which is partly lost when plucked,—it is seen to its best advantage floating in the midst of its green pads. The decorative design on the leaf is faintly marked and can only be discovered by close inspection; the color of its lower surface isfine.Sometimes the petals are pink-tinted.