How to identify Santa cruz waterlily (Victoria cruziana)
Santa cruz waterlily is a remarkable aquatic plant with a notable feature of sprawling lily pads, which can reach impressive dimensions of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) in width. On calm water surfaces, this species can cover an area spanning 15-18 feet (4.5 to 5.5 meters). The enormous, fragrant flowers of santa cruz waterlily open under the cloak of night, revealing an abundance that adds to its spectacle. Adapted to serene freshwater environments, santa cruz waterlily thrives in the still backwaters of large river ecosystems, requiring substantial space when cultivated in water gardens.
Lifespan: Perennial, Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Giant lily pads up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) wide create a sprawling appearance.
Nocturnal fragrant flowers transition from white to pink, blooming up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
Large fruit with prickles, housing numerous 0.4 inch (1 cm) diameter seeds.
Bright green lily pads with upturned margins and reddish undersides, rim up to 7 inches (18 cm) high.
Robust green stem with sharp prickles, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, submerged with floating leaves.
The leaves of santa cruz waterlily are bright green lily pads that can grow up to 6.5 feet (200 cm) wide. They have thick, upturned margins forming a rim up to 7 inches (18 cm) high. The undersides often display a reddish hue. The leaves and stems are covered in sharp spines. These unique features, including their large size, prominent marginal rims, and spiny undersides, make them easily distinguishable.
The flowers of santa cruz waterlily are a sight to behold, spanning up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide. These blooms start as creamy white on the first day, transitioning to a captivating pink by the second. Notably fragrant, their rich aroma is potent and enchanting. These nocturnal blossoms are very free-flowering and predominantly come into bloom during the night, creating a stunning display with their prominent, arranged petals.
The stem of santa cruz waterlily is characterized by its thick, robust structure with a noticeable covering of sharp prickles. It typically exhibits a greenish hue that may darken with age and can reach a diameter of up to 1 inch (2.5 cm). The stem is often submerged, supporting large, floating leaves with occasional branching patterns. Its surface is slightly rough due to the presence of prickles, which serve as a defensive mechanism against herbivores.
The fruit of santa cruz waterlily is a large, conspicuous berry-like structure adorned with an array of prickles on its surface. This fruit manifests a robust and textured exterior, making its appearance quite distinctive. Within its protective enclosure, the fruit harbors a profusion of seeds, each measuring approximately 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, suggesting a generous reproductive capacity. The multiplicity and size of the seeds contribute to the fruit's overall bumpy texture. While specific coloration details are not provided, the noted features are pivotal for recognition and lend a striking visual aspect to the fruit.
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Scientific Classification of Santa cruz waterlily
