Victoria amazonica, a magnificent giant

Victoria amazonica is a truly magnificent plant with a fascinating life cycle. Native to tropical South America, V. amazonica is probably most famous for its large circular leaves, which span over 2.5 m across and can hold the weight of a small child. Anchored to the muddy floor of the river bed, the leaves rise from the depths as spiny buds which then expand rapidly; in a single season a plant can produce up to 50 leaves, which float on the surface by virtue of little pockets of air between the ribs.