Nymphaea manipurensis var. versicolor Asharani & Biseshwori, 2014

Devi, Sagolsem Asharani & Thongam, Biseshwori, 2014, Two new taxa of Nymphaea (Nymphaeaceae) from Manipur, India, Phytotaxa 188 (2), pp. 112-117 : 113-114

II. Nymphaea manipurensis var. versicolor Asharani & Biseshwori , var. nov. ( Fig. 2 )

Like typical variety, but differs in few characters: larger habit; leaves, brown patches on both surfaces; mottled outer surface of sepal; petals creamy white, 6–9; stamens 31–36; carpels 15–20.

Type: — INDIA, Manipur: Imphal East district, Yaralpat, c. 779 m, 24049 ′24.1″ N, 93059 ′52.0″ E, 8 September 2011, S. Asharani, IBSD /N- 11 (holotype: CAL!; isotype: Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Imphal!) .

Description:— Similar to the N. manipurensis , but with a larger habit, rhizomes 6–10 cm. Leaf blades ellipticsuborbicular, 15–35 × 13–32 cm, with reddish brown patches, little more on lower surface; sinus about 12 cm long; primary veins raised beneath, 14–16; petiole 50–100 cm long, light brown in color. Flowers 5–8 cm in diameter. Sepals ovate-oblong, 5.5–8.5 × 4.0–5.0 cm, mottled outside. Petals 6–9, creamy white; outer 6.5–8.5 × 1.0– 1.5 cm, inner 3.0– 4.5 × 0.6–1.0 cm. Stamens 31–36; sterile appendage, 0.9–1.2 × 0.3–0.5 cm. Carpels 15–20. Seeds, 17–19 × 10–12 mm.

Distribution:— This variety has been recorded in a few sites in the wetland areas of Manipur, India.

Phenology:— Growing and flowering period July–September.

Ecology:— Nymphaea manipurensis var. versicolor grows in natural wetland area of Manipur, India.

Etymology:— ‘ Versicolor ’ means varying or variegated. The variety is named after the streaks on the outer surface of the sepal.

Notes:— Nymphaea manipurensis and N. manipurensis var. versicolor are similar to N. nouchali . They are all partially apocarpous and have erect rhizomes, and leaves purplish, glabrous on both surfaces. However, much dissimilarity also exists. Detailed comparison of the characters among Nymphaea manipurensis , N. manipurensis var. versicolor , and N. nouchali are presented in Table 1.

*Source: Dkhar et al. 2013

Figures

FIGURE 2. Nymphaea manipurensis var. versicolor in its natural habitat (Photo credit: Sagolsem Asharani Devi).