Social media photo leads to the discovery of a new water lily species in Colombia

Carlos Magdalena from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in England, initiated a scientific discovery process after noticing differences in a photo of a giant water lily shared on Instagram by Jeremiah Harris.

Carlos Magdalena organized an expedition to the Inírida region of Colombia following the photos shared about five years ago. After failing to reach a flowering specimen in the initial phase, he traveled to a flooded forest area at midnight with the support of local guide Gustavo Melo. The flowering specimens found just before sunrise allowed the plant to be identified as Victoria colombiana.

This new species, whose leaf diameter can reach 2 meters, has become the fourth known member of the giant water lily group. Researchers estimate that there are between 30 and 50 specimens in the natural environment in the region. Assessment: While it is predicted that the plant may be facing the danger of extinction, it is stated that efforts for its conservation are being planned.