A synopsis of Thai nymphaeaceae

Abstract

A synopsis of Nymphaeaceae from Thailand was made by means of a literature search, consultation of herbarium specimens in several Thai and European herbaria, and a survey of 47 wetlands throughout Thailand. Nymphaeaceae phylogeny, habitats and reproductive ecology are reviewed. All species encountered were cultivated at Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Chiang Mai for further observations. Two species of Barclaya (B. longifolia and B. motleyi) the latter being represented by only a single herbarium specimen with uncertain origin, were encountered. In Nymphaea, four native species, the day- blooming N. cyanea and N. nouchali, and the night-blooming N. pubescens and N. rubra, were encountered. In addition, the day-blooming N. capensis, which has been introduced into Thailand, was found adventive at several localities. Barclaya species are restricted to pristine natural forest habitats, whereas Nymphaea species occur naturally in swamps and lakes, but are now found in many anthropogenic habitats.© Nordic Journal of Botany 2009.