Nymphaea prolifera is a species of waterlily naturally found from Mexico (specifically Veracruz and Tabasco) to Brazil and northeastern Argentina.

[11] In Mexico, Nymphaea prolifera was collected in temporarily flooded meadows at the roadside, at depths of 30 to 60 cm.

[8] Few occurrences of adult Hydrotimetes natans beetles, which are being used as a biological control agent of Cabomba caroliniana in Australia, have been observed on Nymphaea prolifera in its natural habitat.

In a laboratory setting, it was shown that adult beetles can feed on Nymphaea prolifera leaves, although it prefers Cabomba caroliniana.

The beetle larvae are host specific to Cabomba and fails to enter stems of Nymphaea prolifera.

[15] Nymphaea prolifera synthesises methylated benzenoids to repel waterlily aphids, which feed on the flowers.