On the Identity of and Sterility in Nymphaea rubra Roxb. ex Andrews (Nymphaeaceae)

Abstract

Nymphaea rubra Roxb. ex Andrews has been interpreted differently by various authors after the name was validly published by Andrews in 1808. The diagnostic characters given in different Floras are also at variance. A study of literature, herbarium holdings and fresh materials collected proves that N. rubra is a sexually reproducing species unlike reported earlier. These reports wrongly emphasized sterility in this species and suggested propagation exclusively through vegetative means. This widely distributed species was excluded in a number of Floras since its distinctive characters were less known and unverifiable in herbarium specimens. It is conspecific neither with N. nouchali Burm. f. nor with N. pubescens. Willd. A review of presentation of N. rubra in Indian Floras is provided together with a key to the species in southern India.