Family: Nymphaeaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea, commonly known as blue Egyptian lotus or blue water-lily, is an aquatic flowering plant native to Egypt, much of eastern and southern Africa, the southern Arabian Peninsula, and the Comoros. This striking water-lily is admired for its vivid blue to bluish-purple flowers, floating round leaves, and fragrant blooms that open during the day. It has long been associated with ornamental ponds and water gardens and also holds cultural and historical significance in ancient Egyptian art and symbolism. Because of its attractive appearance, it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Risks & Threats
Blue Egyptian lotus has been reported as naturalized on Hawai‘i Island, with populations potentially naturalizing on Kaua‘i and Maui. This species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including the ability to spread and persist in freshwater habitats. Dense growth can crowd out native aquatic plants, alter wetland ecosystems, and reduce habitat quality for native species. As with many introduced aquatic ornamentals, fragments or escaped cultivated plants may spread through waterways and ponds, making management difficult once established. Because it could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, caution is recommended when considering this species for cultivation in Hawai‘i. When possible, choose a low risk or native alternative for water gardens and aquatic landscaping.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized on Hawaii Island, as well as in Brazil & Argentina
- Other Nymphaea are invasive
- Reproduces by seeds and possibly also vegetatively
- Self-compatible
- Seeds dispersed by water & intentionally by people
Low Risk Traits:
- Negative impacts outside native range have not been documented
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Used as food by people
- Ornamental
- May be safe to cultivate in a contained pond or other water feature with minimal risk of natural dispersal
