How an Instagram post revealed a giant waterlily unknown to science for millions of years
In 2021, a plant enthusiast explored Colombia's Guainía region and photographed giant waterlilies. This prompted scientists to investigate and ultimately discover a new species named Victoria colombiana. The researchers documented unique characteristics that set it apart from known relatives, allowing for formal identification. Despite its discovery, the species faces critical endangerment, with only a small population remaining in the wild.
