Royal water lily, Giant water lily, Amazon water lily
Victoria amazonica

Family: Nymphaeaceae

What it is like

A water lily. It is an annual plant which grows in water. It has a thick rhizome. The leaves are 2 m across. The edges of the leaves curve upwards. There are gaps near the leaf stalk and directly opposite. The leaves float. The leaves have a netlike appearance. They are coppery red underneath. There are prickles under the leaf and on the leaf stalk. The flowers last for 3-4 days. They come out at night and have a sweet smell. The flowers are 25-40 cm across. They start creamy white but change to pink then purple. There are 50-60 petals. They are white or cream with a tinge of red. The fruit are 15 cm across. The fruit is covered with spines. The seeds are 5 mm across. They are green but turn black. The plants are pollinated by beetles.

There are 2 Victoria species in tropical America.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in mud in water 1.2-2 m deep. They need water temperatures above 24°C. In XTBG Yunnan. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Guiana, Guyana, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Mauritius, Peru, SE Asia, South America, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The seeds are roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds, stems, roots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The temperature needs to be above 29°C. Flowers can be hand pollinated.

Its other names

Local names

Forno-d'agua, Irupe, Maiz del agua, Reina victoria, Victoria-regia, Water Maize, Water-platter

Synonyms

Victoria regia Lindl.;