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The Nymphaeacea, or water-lily family is a primitive one of considerable taxonomic interest. It is believed to be a relic of an early plant form that preceded the development of monocotyledonous plants. The family has persisted by adapting successfully to a fully aquatic existence. Various species and their hybrids have been grown, apparently for millenia, as ornamentals. The seeds of several species are used for food. South American species of Victoria (named in honor of the English monarch) are spectacular plants, noted for their enormous floating leaves and fragrant flowers.

         

Rocky Mountain pond-lily, Nuphar polysepala Engelm., is a wide-ranging plant that grows in quiet ponds well up into the mountains. As with other members of the family, the pond-lilies have bulky roots; stems with specialized air pockets, and large fruiting bodies whose seeds were used as food by Native Americans. The thick yellow sepals, small hidden petals, and ball-like shape of the flower are typical of the genus. Members are sometimes used as easily grown ornamentals in water gardens.

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