Regal and beautiful, the water lily (Nymphaeaceae) has captured the imagination of painters and photographers throughout the ages. As a part of the family of flowering aquatic plants, they usually live in temperate and tropical climates, especially in Southeast Asia. In Bangladesh, water lilies can be found in almost every body of water. The Bangladeshi people call it "shapla" and have it their national flower. 

Though horticultural enthusiasts admire the flower for its quiet grace, local farmers in Bangladesh harvest water lilies as a crop. They use the long stalks in vegetable curry.

Known for its giant leaves, which can grow up to three meters in diameter, the Victoria water lily is a genus of water lily in the plant family of Nymphaeaceae.

The stalks of the Victoria water lily can be up to eight meters long. But you usually do not see water lily stalks because they hide below the water surface. This is also an important difference between the water lily and the lotus. The water lily's stalk is submerged while its flowers and leaves float on the water. Meanwhile, the lotus' stalk stands upright, and its flowers and leaves rise above the water surface.

About 'Plants & Nations' 

"Plants & Nations" is a series of articles and pictures about common plants in the world. It serves as a guide to beautiful plants from different countries. 

For more pictures, please click here:

The pomegranate: Symbol of Granada, Spain

Blue water lily: The sacred flower of ancient Egypt

Colors and rhythm: the country of orchids in the Amazon jungle

The ebullient 'Red Lady' in Malaysia

Dahlia: Mexico's national flower

(Cover image via VCG)

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