Nymphaea candida J. Presl & C. Presl is a perennial herbaceous plant occurring in Xinjiang, Siberia, Central Asia and Europe. This species exhibits several potentially valuable medicinal properties and has ornamental value, but it has declined as a result of habitat degradation and loss, and collection. Globally, the number of mature individuals is < 10,000 and is decreasing. In China, this species is categorized as a national second-class protected wild plant. Although it is categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, it is categorized as Endangered on the China Biodiversity Red List–Higher Plant Volume.

In August 2021, we discovered a wild population of N. candida in Gongliu County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang. We took samples and the species was introduced and cultivated in Yili Botanical Garden. The cultivated Nymphaea candida seedlings developed leaves during April–May 2022, and flowered during June–July. The flowers open in the afternoon and close in the evening, for 3–4 days. The plants bore fruit during August–September 2022, and we were able to collect the seeds. In November, the stems and leaves withered and died.

The successful flowering and fruiting of N. candida in Yili Botanical Garden demonstrates the potential for ex situ conservation of this species. This success provides a practical foundation for establishing artificial cultivation centres and for future reintroductions of the species. We are conducting a comprehensive study of its genetics, reproductive biology, physiological ecology, medicinal value and ecology.

Propagated Nymphaea candida flowering at Yili Botanical Garden in late June 2022. Photo: Kaiyun Guan.