Tri-coloured lotus

Description

Nymphaea micrantha, also known as the small-flowered water lily, is native to West African waters, specifically in stagnant and sunny areas from Senegal to Cameroon. It typically grows rooted in sediment on the ground. The spotted form is commonly cultivated in aquariums. Dennerle reportedly imported this plant from Western Africa in 1995. Submerged leaves of N. micrantha reach a diameter of approximately 7-11 cm, featuring a striking pattern of reddish-brown and dark brown spots on light green background. A notable characteristic of this water lily is the formation of adventitious plants on leaf blades at stem onset, making it relatively easy to propagate.