By Eden Project
Eden Project
Santa Cruz water lily, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project
The leaves of this water lily grow up to 2m in diameter. The hollow veins on the underside of the leaves give them strength and buoyancy.
Santa Cruz water lily, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project
The white flower opens in the early evening and is scented to attract and temporarily trap a beetle (Cylocephata castaneal) that pollinates the plant.
The flower turns pink or red the following day and lowers back into the water.
Santa Cruz water lily, Rainforest Biome (2020) by Eden ProjectEden Project
This water lily grows in slow-moving waters in north Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Bolivia.
Watch the video to see the Santa Cruz water lily growing in the Eden Project's Rainforest Biome up close.
Watch the video to see the Santa Cruz water lily growing in the Eden Project's Rainforest Biome up close.
