Nymphaeaceae
A small order of freshwater herbs, widely dispersed over the globe. Flowers mostly floating, showy, often on scapes which rise to some distance above the water; sepals three to six, petals three to many, and stamens six to many. Fruit sometimes emerging, sometimes maturing under water. Leaves rarely emerging from the water, often peltate, involute in vernation, the submerged ones not unfrequently dissected. The order comprises eight genera and about thirty-five species. Examples: Cabomba, Nelumbium, Nymphaea, Victoria.