The Amazon River Basin in South America is home to the largest species of water lily in the world. The leaves can reach a diameter of up to 2 meters, with some growing as large as 4 meters, and their edges curve upward, resembling a giant bowl. The structure of the leaves is quite unique: the upper surface is a light green, smooth texture,
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| A child weighing 20-30 kg can comfortably sit and play on a Victoria water lily leaf (Photo: stillpictures) |
with the undersides a reddish-brown featuring large, sturdy veins and spiky hairs, creating a framework that protects it from aquatic animals. The leaves contain numerous air pockets, giving them significant buoyancy. A child weighing 20-30 kg can comfortably sit and play on a Victoria water lily leaf. If sand is evenly spread across the leaf surface, it can hold up to 75 kg without sinking.
Victoria water lily flowers are much larger and more beautiful than ordinary lotus flowers, with a diameter ranging from 30 to 40 cm. They are deep red on the inside and snowy white on the outside. They bloom at night and close by morning, reopening in the evening. The flowers gradually change color from bright red to dark purple. The male stamens are located far from the flower’s center and require pollination by insects.
The root system of the Victoria water lily is highly developed, but it does not produce tubers; it is propagated by seeds. The flowers last for 2-3 days before wilting, with the flower head drooping down to set seeds in the water. The seeds are similar in size to bean seeds but grow very quickly. When sown in spring, they can bloom within 4-6 months. The seeds are delicious, and local people refer to them as “water corn.”
The Victoria water lily has a remarkable ability to regulate the temperature of its upper and lower leaf surfaces. The leaf cells contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which can convert light into heat, warming the upper side of the leaf to balance the temperature between the two surfaces. The long veins and spiky hairs help dissipate heat, preventing the harsh tropical sun from scorching the Victoria water lily leaves. The blooming flowers emit a significant amount of heat. The temperature inside the flower is more than 10 degrees Celsius higher than the outside temperature, a remarkable phenomenon that scientists are still researching to understand.
(Photo: colonialvoyage)
