Nymphaea mexicana

Native to the southern United States and Mexico, this aquatic perennial water lily grows in freshwater habitats. Pale yellow flowers open among floating leaves, with overlapping petals surrounding a deeper yellow centre. The plant remains rooted beneath the water and spreads from its perennial underground structures. It belongs to Nymphaeaceae and is one of the yellow-flowered water lilies used in ornamental breeding. It and its hybrids have become invasive in South Africa, forming dense growth that can overwhelm native aquatic vegetation. Photographed in Colombia.