Nature
Giant water lily identified as a new species in London
Scientists measure a leaf of Victoria Boliviana at Kew Gardens. Photo: Ines Stuart-Davidson/RBG Kew/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
It is already considered a botanical wonder of the world: a water lily, whose leaves can reach a diameter of three meters, causes a stir.
Sensational find in London’s botanical garden: A giant water lily, which has been kept in Kew Gardens for almost 180 years, has been identified as a new species.
This emerges from a message from Monday. The discovery of the new species, whose leaves can reach a diameter of more than three meters, was celebrated as a “botanical wonder of the world”.
So far, only two species of giant water lilies of the genus Victoria have been known: Victoria amazonica and Victoria cruziana. The newly discovered species was given the name Victoria boliviana. All three species come from South America.
“Since I first saw a photo of this plant online in 2006, I’ve been convinced it’s a new species,” said Carlos Magdalena, a horticultural researcher at Kew, according to the release. The evidence finally brought new data and a “unique mix of expert knowledge,” it said. Among other things, it was proven with a genetic analysis that Victoria boliviana differs significantly from the other two species.