Victoria amazonica

Lore & Background

The current name, Victoria amazonica, did not come into widespread use until the 20th century. The species has very large leaves, up to 3 m in diameter, on submerged stalks 7–8 m long. The flowers open at sunset, take up to 48 hours to fully open, and change from white to reddish pink after pollination.

The stem and leaf undersides are coated with spines to defend against herbivores, and younger plants swing their spiny stalks to make space. Victoria amazonica has a mutualistic relationship with scarab beetles of the genus Cyclocephala, which are trapped inside the flower overnight, feed on starchy tissue, and become covered in pollen before being released to pollinate another flower. All flowers on a given plant are in the same sexual phase on a given evening, preventing self-pollination.

Reader's Guide

Victoria amazonica is significant as a botanical marvel and a symbol of Victorian-era horticultural ambition. The lily's ribbed undersurface and veining inspired Paxton's design for The Crystal Palace. The species is depicted on the Guyanese coat of arms and has been the subject of dedicated monographs and acclaimed botanical illustrations. It is cultivated worldwide in botanical gardens, requiring warm water temperatures of 29–32°C for optimal growth, and is propagated primarily by seed.

Did You Know?

• The flowers can grow up to 40 cm (16 in) in diameter and weigh up to 1.6 kg (3.5 lb).
• The diploid chromosome count of Victoria amazonica is 20.