Three new giant waterlily species discovered, bringing total to five

Researchers have described three new species of giant waterlilies in recent years, nearly doubling the known total to five. The latest species was identified after social media photos and satellite images pointed to plants in a Colombian river region. An expedition collected material, and flower analysis helped confirm the species.

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For decades, only two giant waterlily species were recognized. In 2016, unusual plants grown from Bolivian seed caught Carlos Magdalena's attention because their leaves were larger; this population was later named Victoria boliviana in 2022. The newest species, Victoria colombiana, came to light after Jeremiah Harris shared images from Colombia's Inírida river. Satellite imagery showed possible plants, prompting an expedition