Historical documentations dated back to Sukhothai period showed records of 7 varieties of water lilies and lotus (Nymphaea spp. and Nelumbo spp.) in the public water resources of the ancient Thai capital. Those 7 varieties were nilubon [a blue tropical day blooming water lily], rattana-ubon [a red tropical night-blooming water lily], setu-ubon [a white tropical night-blooming water lily], Jongkolnee [a beautiful pink tropical day-blooming water lily with more than 100 petals], bua-dang [probably a lotus, coloured red], bua-khao [probably a lotus, coloured white] and kamut [another white tropical night-blooming water lily].

There are many uses of water lilies and lotus in Thai tradition that could be related to the name of those 7 varieties. Researchers are interested in Jongkolnee, which has distinct characteristics unlike others species and may be classified as a species in subgenus Brachyceras or tropical day-blooming water lily. Jongkolnee was used as an important ingredient for herpes treatments in ancient Thai medicinal practice. It was of notice from generation to generation because of its medicinal utilities and the characteristics that were very different from other water lilies at that time. It proved that Nymphaea 'Jongkolnee' could be originated and have been found only in Thailand since Sukhothai period (1238A.D.-1438 A.D.). Today, it is rarely found in the wild, and can only be grown naturally outdoor in Thailand.

The Thai Art for decorated the temple or palace ceiling. Called Dao Jongkol pattern was used since Sukhothai period. This pattern look alike the real flower of Nymphaea 'Jongkolnee'. Therefore, this pattern could be inspired by the Jongkolnee flower.

Jongkolnee needs a minimum water depth and a water surface of 0.90 x 0.90 m. for a good form of flowers. The tropical climate zone with long sun hours per day is a suitable condition for growing Jongkolnee.