NYMPHEACEAE

The Nympheaceae or waterlily family comprises some 70+ species of aquatic, rhizomatous herbs with buoyant stems and leaves. Waterlilies are cultivated as tropical ornamental plants, some have escaped and became invasive. Nympheaceae contain aporphine alkaloids, which produce psychoactive effects when ingested in sufficient quantities. The Egyptian waterlily (Nymphea caerula) is particularly rich in aporphine alkaloids. It was used since ancient times as a sedative (sleep-inducing drug). Recently, possession of the Egyptian waterlily is outlawed by certain countries.

 Egyptian waterlily (Nymphea caerula).