In July 2016, I grew a Water Lily in my small fish tank which led me to the observation of the phenomenon of vivipary in the aquatic plant. Vivipary is the growth of young plant on the parent plant.

The only Water Lily species that is able to produce baby plant on its leaf is Nymphaea micrantha from Africa. Any crossbreed with this species will result in a hybrid that kept the vivipary property. Apparently, hybrid Water Lily left unchecked will propagate fast and become a threat to the native species [1].

Reference:

[1] Yakandawala D, YakandawalaK. Hybridization between native and invasive alien plants: an overlooked threat to the biodiversity of Sri Lanka. Ceylon J Science (Biological Sciences) 2011;40(1):13-23. | Read article |