Giant Amazon Water Lily gaining size

The Living Rainforest’s famed Giant Amazon Water Lily was once again planted out onto the main pond a few weeks ago, and is gaining in size with each new leaf under the hot summer sunshine.

Around the time the schools break for summer (end July) we expect the leaves to be nearing their largest, and to maintain their super size until around the end of September.

Back in 2003, the Giant Amazon Water Lily leaves at the Living Rainforest reached a diameter of 8 feet, 6 inches – which equalled the world record!

The leaves were so large, they could support the weight of a small child – hence the picture of the director’s daughter, Lucy, at 6 weeks. The picture was taken in mid-July. 

The undersides of the leaves have sharp spines and spikes, which stop fish and other aquatic animals from destroying them for food.

The lilies have white flowers which attract pollinating beetles. As the blossoms mature, they darken to shades of pink and purple.

To see the Giant Amazon Water Lily at its best, we recommend visiting from July to September. However, with our new Annual Ticket (which visitors now receive at no additional cost), visitors can now afford to track the progress of the Giant Amazon Water Lily throughout its entire growing season.