Everything about this aquatic giant is impressive, especially its massive leaves, which can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in diameter! Floating together, these sharply-rimmed leaves create a surreal, otherworldly scene, as if taken straight from a science fiction movie.
The Giant Water Lily grows in calm, freshwater ecosystems throughout the Amazon basin and Brazil's Pantanal region. Its leaves are anchored by a stalk, sometimes stretching as deep as 8m (26ft) to the muddy bottom. The leaves are incredibly buoyant and have been shown to support more than 100kg of weight while floating on the water’s surface.
Giant Water-lily close-up
The showy flowers of the Giant Water-Lily are proportional to its massive leaves. They may weigh up to 1.5kg (3.5lbs), placing them among the heaviest flowers in the world. They are immaculate white when they first open, changing to dramatic pink once pollinated by a helpful beetle.
Giant Water-lily flower
The Giant Water-Lily is just one of the big, spectacular species we will encounter in the Brazilian Amazon and Pantanal. Join us to see what other gargantuan wonders await!
