isiXhosa: Ikhubalo Lechanti

Afrikaans: Blouwaterlelie

Cape blue waterlily


Cape blue waterlily

Nymphaea capensis

Scientific name

This aquatic flowering plant of the water lily family is found growing abundantly in freshwater habitats in tropical regions of Africa. This plant's bulb can survive relatively long periods of time without rainfall in a dry river bed. During the rain season, as the riverbed or bog fills up, the bulb will sprout leaves and flowers. The Cape blue waterlily grows best in full sun to semi-sun and in relatively shallow water.


References and further reading

Learn more »

Wikipedia page »

Image credit: Peter de Lange

Important characteristics

Conservation status: Least Concern

This species was selected because it has various important characteristics.

Suitable for wet sites

Communitree Newsletter

Receive our monthly updates in your mailbox

Our sponsors

We thank our 2019 sponsors for their support in our work. If your company or organisation wants to help support Communitree, click here to get in touch.