A new species of giant waterlily has been discovered in the Colombian jungle, thanks to a chance social media encounter. The plant, which can grow up to three metres across and is visible from space, is already considered critically endangered.
Discovery of the Giant Waterlily
Three years ago, Carlos Magdalena, a waterlily expert at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, was scrolling through Instagram when he saw a photo of someone swimming among giant waterlilies in the Inírida River in Guainía, Colombia. The photo was taken by Jeremiah Harris, who runs a carnivorous plant nursery in the US. Harris had mistakenly identified the waterlily as the common Victoria amazonica, but Magdalena immediately suspected something unusual because the natural range of Victoria amazonica does not extend to the Inírida River.
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Magdalena messaged Harris to track down the exact location and spent several years analysing satellite imagery and securing funds and permits to verify the presence of the waterlily. His efforts paid off when he finally confirmed it was a new species, now named Victoria boliviana.
Significance of the Find
Giant waterlilies are among the oldest flowering plants in the world, existing before the continents split apart. They are present throughout culture, from the Egyptians to Monet. The discovery of a new species is a major event in botany, as it highlights the biodiversity still hidden in remote regions.
However, the plant is already considered critically endangered. Its habitat in the Inírida River is under threat from human activities, including pollution and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect this newly discovered species.
Comparison with Other Giant Waterlilies
There are now three known species of giant waterlily: Victoria amazonica, Victoria cruziana, and the newly discovered Victoria boliviana. The table below compares their key characteristics.
| Species | Maximum Leaf Size | Native Range | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria amazonica | 3 metres | Amazon basin | Not evaluated |
| Victoria cruziana | 2.5 metres | Paraná basin | Not evaluated |
| Victoria boliviana | 3.2 metres | Inírida River, Colombia | Critically endangered |
Key Takeaways
- A new species of giant waterlily, Victoria boliviana, was discovered in Colombia after a chance social media sighting.
- The plant can grow up to 3.2 metres across and is visible from space.
- It is already critically endangered due to habitat threats.
- The discovery highlights the importance of social media in scientific research and the need for conservation.
FAQ
What is the new species of giant waterlily?
The new species is called Victoria boliviana. It was discovered in the Inírida River in Colombia and can grow up to 3.2 metres across.
How was the giant waterlily discovered?
It was discovered after Carlos Magdalena, a waterlily expert, saw a photo on Instagram of someone swimming among giant waterlilies in Colombia. He then tracked down the location and confirmed it was a new species.
Why is the giant waterlily endangered?
The giant waterlily is considered critically endangered due to habitat loss and pollution in its native range in Colombia.
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