The rare plant, the water bulb, blooms in a winter pool in Haifa Bay

The Kishon River Authority preserves the winter ponds and moist habitats around the river located near the Gulf Central, in the works area of ​​the Haifa-Nazareth light rail. In the winter pool south of the central part of the bay, impressive layers of the rare water bulb plant were observed.

This is the third year in which the bloom of the water bulb has been observed in the winter pool. The water bulb blooms at the end of February - beginning of March in shallow winter pools, mainly on the northern coastal plain. It is a submerged plant, its roots are planted at the bottom of the pool and the flowers float on the surface of the water in white color with a yellow center.

According to Ma'ayan Zion, Head of Environment at the Nahal Kishon Authority:

In recent years, the water bulb has been observed less and less, so its flowering in the winter pool south of the central bay is very gratifying. Next to the rare vegetation, there is a rich humid habitat with waterfowl, mainly terns and water dwellers such as: tiny crabs, tadpoles and dragonfly larvae.

A particularly encouraging observation

This observation is especially encouraging in light of diesel pollution that was discovered a few weeks ago in the area near the winter pool and the actions to prevent the spread of pollution carried out by the Kishon Stream Authority, the Haifa Municipality and the Nature and Parks Authority. The Authority deployed oil and fuel absorbents and thus prevented the further spread of the contamination towards the protected part of the winter pool. The diesel layer near the winter pool was pumped out immediately upon discovery of the pollution incident and we continue to monitor and treat the remaining diesel. 

According to Sharon Nissim, CEO of the Kishon River Authority:

The winter pool area where the rare water lily blooms is considered a no-go area where rare and protected species are preserved. The river authority is working to develop the Winter Pools Park, which has a unique nature corner that enriches the experience of travelers along the Kishon River.