The Garden Community for Garden Lovers

Giant waterlilies

cat

By Cat


Giant waterlilies (Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana)

Photo taken at Kew Gardens, summer 2008. 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. 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.



Comments on this photo

 

Hi Cat

Welcome! Those plants are lovely, reminds me of a plant I have seen in the Mauritius Botanical park.

27 Aug, 2008

 

These are the famous ones that are strong enough to hold a person, right?

27 Aug, 2008

cat
Cat
 

Yes indeed, according to the kew website "A mature leaf can support 45 kg, if the load is evenly distributed."

27 Aug, 2008

 

I remember some old photos of girls playing musical instrments while on these things, I always thought they were faked! lol

27 Aug, 2008

 

those are amazing. lol no problem with pond life hauling oiut to rest and get some sun

18 May, 2015



Comment on this photo


Pictures by cat
1 of 4

  • You are at the first photo

  • Kew_011

What else?

This photo is of species Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana.

This photo was taken at Kew Gardens.

Members who like this photo

  • Gardening with friends since
    19 Jul, 2007

  • Gardening with friends since
    22 May, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    7 Feb, 2008

  • lyd
    Lyd

    Gardening with friends since
    3 Jul, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    31 Jan, 2008

  • Ams
    Ams

    Gardening with friends since
    16 Jun, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    1 Mar, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    4 Feb, 2008

  • Gardening with friends since
    9 Jun, 2010