Researchers discover rare giant waterlily in Colombia
Scientists identified a new giant waterlily species after spotting it in an Instagram photo taken in eastern Colombia.
Carlos Magdalena noticed the plant did not match known varieties growing in that specific river region in Colombia. He examined satellite images until he located large floating pads measuring six feet across the water surface.
Two years later his team traveled to find flowers needed to officially identify the newly discovered rare aquatic plant species. Their boatman guided them far into the forest to a quiet pond containing five lilies with one blooming flower.
The findings were published in the journal Phytotaxa after researchers confirmed the unique characteristics of this previously unknown specimen. This official documentation marks the first time science has recorded this specific type of giant waterlily existing in nature.
Experts warn that fewer than fifty individuals remain in the wild making this discovery critical for future conservation efforts. Without immediate protection the population faces a high risk of disappearing completely from the natural environment soon.