New Giant Waterlily Species Uncovered in Colombia’s Flooded Jungle

A five-day expedition led by Carlos Magdalena of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and a team from the Jardín Botánico in Bogotá confirmed the existence of a previously unknown giant waterlily in a remote lake of the Inírida River, Guainía. After locating the plants with only hours before their return flight, the researchers collected material that enabled a formal description published in *Phytotaxa*. The species has been named *Victoria colombiana*.

The Guardian

Giant waterlilies, members of the genus *Victoria*, can reach up to three metres in diameter and have existed since the breakup of ancient continents. Prior to this find, only three giant waterlily species were recognized worldwide. Their natural range historically excludes the Inírida River, making the Colombian population an unexpected extension of the genus.

The Guardian

The search began three years ago when Magdalena saw an Instagram photo taken by Jeremiah Harris, a U.S. carnivorous-plant nursery operator, who had misidentified the plant as *Victoria amazonica*. Recognizing the range mismatch, Magdalena secured satellite imagery, permits, and funding, then organized the rainforest trek. Guidance from an indigenous driver led the team to the lake, where they documented a small, isolated population.

The Guardian

The team estimates only 30–50 individuals remain in the wild, classifying the taxon as critically endangered. Researchers are pursuing an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessment and are exploring the establishment of a naturalised population on a more accessible indigenous lake. Seed collection efforts aim to cultivate the species in Bogotá and potentially at Kew Gardens, providing a safeguard against extinction.

The Guardian

• “It was so emotional I shed a tear, it was one of those moments that will remain with me for life,” — Carlos Magdalena

The Guardian

• “This is one of those extraordinary stories where indigenous and horticultural knowledge with the help of social media and technology came together to uncover a truly extraordinary botanical achievement.” — Carlos Magdalena

The Guardian