Science

Colombian Jungle Discovery: New Giant Waterlily Species Named Victoria colombiana

By Pippa Neill

A chance Instagram photo led to the discovery of a new giant waterlily species in Colombia’s jungle. Carlos Magdalena, a waterlily expert at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, saw a photo taken by Jeremiah Harris of someone swimming among large waterlilies in the Inírida River, Guainía. Harris had identified the plant as the common Victoria amazonica, but the species does not normally occur in that area. Magdalena contacted Harris, located the exact spot, and spent several years analysing satellite images and securing permits. In a five‑day expedition with a team from the Jardín Botánico in Bogotá and local indigenous reserves, they finally found a population of the waterlilies after a night’s sail to a small lake deep in the flooded rainforest. Magdalena described the moment as emotional and “jaw‑dropping.” The team collected material for formal identification, and a paper published in Phytotaxa on Friday confirmed the plant as a new species, named Victoria colombiana. Only three other giant waterlily species are known. Harris, who co‑authored the study, said the discovery was “incredible.” Magdalena noted that the story combined indigenous knowledge, horticulture, social media, and technology. Estimates suggest 30 to 50 individuals of Victoria colombiana exist in the wild, making it extremely rare and at risk of extinction. Maarten Christenhusz, a plant taxonomist, remarked that while new species are found regularly, few are as large and emblematic as this one, which can even be seen from space. The team is working toward an IUCN Red List designation and plans to support long‑term conservation, including establishing a naturalised population in a more accessible lake within indigenous territory. They also aim to collect seeds for cultivation in Bogotá, with the possibility of growing the plant at Kew Gardens if successful.