Water lily

Nenuphars, as seen in the PlayStation version of Rayman

Three-dimensional nenuphars, as seen in Rayman 2

Nenuphars are a type of flower found throughout the Rayman series, though most notably in the original Rayman game. These flowers usually serve as platforms, and are recognisable by their dangling, tail-like stems and their ability to float. Their appearance varies considerably from game to game, but these characteristics always remain intact.

Green, two-fronded nenuphars were planned to appear in the cancelled 2D version of Rayman 2. These nenuphars were unique in that Rayman could hang from them as if they were ledges.

A nenuphar hologram is used to represent the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava in the Hall of Doors

Uses

In the original Rayman, there are two types of nenuphars, both of which are found in the Dream Forest. The first type of nenuphar is large and stable, and can be used as a platform (they sometimes move back and forth, or up and down). The second type of nenuphar is smaller and does not move; this type is incapable of supporting Rayman's weight. If he steps on one, it will quickly sink, often leading Rayman to his death. There is one small nenuphar found in Moskito's Nest which, uniquely, rises when stood on, instead of sinking. In the PlayStation version, the small nenuphars that sink when Rayman stands on them have red bowties. In all other versions, they have pink bowties, like the large nenuphars.

In Rayman 2: The Great Escape, Rayman rides what appear to be nenuphars in the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava. They are large, pink, flying flowers with tentacle-like vines on their undersides. These nenuphars are shown to be vulnerable to fire.

In the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3, two types of nenuphars appear. One is small, yellow and stable, and is found in the Forgotten Forests. The other is similar in appearance and function to the ones seen in Rayman 2; Rayman rides these in some of the Magmacosm's levels, which are not dissimilar from the Sanctuary of Rock and Lava.

In the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman Raving Rabbids, Rayman comes across large yellow nenuphars in the levels of the Forest World.

Image gallery

One type of nenuphar, as seen in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3	Rayman rides a nenuphar past a dangerous nettle	Another type of nenuphar, as seen in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman 3	A yellow nenuphar, as seen in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman Raving Rabbids
A normal nenuphar in the Symbian version of Rayman 3	Rayman rides a nenuphar past a Black Lum in the Symbian version of Rayman 3	A nenuphar as seen in the Game Boy Color version of Rayman