A freshwater floating plant known for its yellow flowers which bloom in the summer months.

Yellow water lilies are an aggressive plant that quickly takes over its habitats. Much like other species, the yellow water lily has had to adapt to the many changes brought on by global warming. It has evolved to live in saltwater, and thanks to the sharp rise in temperature, it now blooms all year round. Its roots have become longer and started to grow above water as well as below. Not only have the roots become more prominent, they have also gained new functions. They began to form structures that have served the plant in different ways over the years.

During dry seasons, the structure provided shade and served as a kind of dam that preserved what little water remained in the area.

When the floods came, more roots grew, and the structure became denser and stronger, shielding the flowers from the powerful currents that threatened to uproot them.

Today, nature has stabilized and the stream has water all year round once again. However, new enemies threaten the yellow water lilies, seeing them as a source of food. The structure of the plant has become denser and it now serves as a kind of filter. Pollinating insects and small harmless fish can pass through the structure. The plant protects the fish, and in return, they clean the water. Many species, like the otters, have discovered the potential of the root structures and began using them for their own needs.

Oded Ohayon, Chen Cohen