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New Victoria colombiana giant waterlily officially named in Colombia

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 10:59 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Carlos Magdalena of Kew identified a new giant waterlily species in Colombia.
Jeremiah Harris posted an Instagram photo that prompted the search.
Magdalena led a five-day expedition with Bogotá’s Jardín Botánico and indigenous guides to locate the lilies.
The team published a Phytotaxa article that officially named the species Victoria colombiana.
Scientists estimate 30-50 wild plants and plan seed cultivation at Kew.

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Story summary

Carlos Magdalena of Kew identified a new giant waterlily species in Colombia.
Jeremiah Harris posted an Instagram photo that prompted the search.
Magdalena led a five-day expedition with Bogotá’s Jardín Botánico and indigenous guides to locate the lilies.
The team published a Phytotaxa article that officially named the species Victoria colombiana.
Scientists estimate 30-50 wild plants and plan seed cultivation at Kew.