In 2022, botanists officially described Victoria boliviana, a spectacular new species from the wetlands of Bolivia that now holds the record as the world’s largest water lily.
With leaves reaching up to 3.2 meters (over 10 feet) wide and capable of supporting 176 pounds, this aquatic giant was long mistaken for its relatives until detailed genetic and morphological studies revealed its true identity.
➡️ As habitats like Bolivia’s wetlands face growing environmental threats, discoveries like this reinforce the urgency of conservation and the value of ongoing botanical exploration to safeguard unique species for future generations.
Native to the Llanos de Moxos, one of the world’s largest wetlands, V. boliviana joins two other iconic species, the Amazonian and Cruz water lilies, but stands apart for its scale and distinct biology.
Its discovery after nearly two centuries marks the first identification of a new giant water lily in over 100 years, emphasizing that remarkable biodiversity can still be found even in well-known groups.
Gratitude to all the scientists, local collaborators, and botanical artists whose passion and expertise continue to illuminate the wonders of our natural world.
Reference:
Magdalena, C., Smith, L., Przelomska, N., et al. (2022). Victoria boliviana, a new species of giant waterlily from Bolivia. Frontiers in Plant Science.