The red and blue water lily (Nymphaea nouchali), also known as the star lotus or blue star water lily, is a day-blooming, aquatic perennial plant celebrated globally for its vibrant star-like blossoms, cultural importance, and ecological utility.
Appearance and Growth Habit
Flower Structure: Features star-shaped blooms ranging from 5 to 20 cm in diameter with 10 to 24 angular petals.
Vibrant Colors: Most commonly pale to deep violet-blue, but varieties stretch across fuchsia, purple, pink, red, and crisp white.
Golden Centers: The center holds a striking contrast of bright, golden-yellow stamens often tipped with blue or purple.
Floating Pads: Large, round-to-oval green leaves measuring up to 23 cm wide display a deep central notch, undulating edges, and distinct purple or red undersides.
Growth Spread: Rooted in underwater mud via thick rhizomes, its floating canopies can spread up to 1.5 meters across the water's surface.
