Nymphaea is a genus of aquatic plants, commonly known as water lilies, in the family Nymphaeaceae. There are about 50 species in the genus found in many parts of the world. They have floating leaves and large many-petaled, often fragrant, blossoms which grow from rhizomes that grow in soil in shallow water up to 6 feet deep.
Nymphaea caerulea, also known as the Egyptian blue water lily, is found along the Nile River.
Nymphaea lotus, also known as the Egyptian white water lily, is found in various parts of East Africa and Southeast Asia.
Nymphaea odorata is native to the eastern United States.