Victoria colombiana: New giant water lily species discovered in Colombia

Botanists have identified a new species of giant water lily, named Victoria colombiana, following its initial sighting in a social media photograph. The discovery was announced by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Specialist Carlos Magdalena first encountered images of the plant on Instagram several years ago. While the original poster had misidentified the plant as Victoria amazonica, Magdalena suspected it was an unknown species. After years of analyzing satellite imagery and securing necessary permits, an expedition involving researchers and indigenous community members located the lilies in an isolated lake within the Colombian jungle.

A study published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa confirmed the new species. The Victoria colombiana is characterized by massive leaves that can reach three meters in diameter. However, the species is considered critically endangered, with researchers estimating only 30 to 50 specimens remain in the wild.