Nymphaea vanildae (Nymphaeaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from the Caatinga region in Brazil, and placed in Nymphaea subg. Hydrocallis. This species is characterized by having nocturnal flowers, elliptic and delicate leaves, a clear distinction between the perianth and androecium, linear carpellary appendages and four or more series of proliferate pseudanthia, which distinguishes it from all species in the genus.