Giant waterlilies

Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana

These huge aquatic plants are native to tropical South America. They were first discovered in Bolivia in 1801 and subsequently named in honour of Queen Victoria.

The enormous leaves, which grow to over 2.5m across, have a network of protruding ribs on the underside, which give the leaf buoyancy and stability. A mature leaf can support 45 kg, if the load is evenly distributed.

The flowers are large and fragrant, but relatively short-lived, lasting only 48 hours or so. As each flower matures, it changes colour from white, through pink, to purplish-red, finally sinking below the surface.

GIant waterlilies

giant waterlilies in the wild

giant waterlilies at Kew

timelapse sequence of flowering

More plants

Back up to: plants index

See also

www.victoria-adventure.org