Skip to main content
Opening times Directions
Book tickets Search
Santa Cruz water lilies

Santa Cruz water lily

Santa Cruz water lilypads can grow up to 2 metres wide. The huge leaves help the plant win the competition for sunlight. They can sometimes be found in the pond in the Tropical South America section at the heart of our Rainforest Biome.

Botanical description

  • Scientific name: Victoria cruziana
  • Family: Nymphaeaceae (water lily)

Giant aquatic herb found in South America. Leaves up to 2m in diameter, green colour with a small layer of fine hairs on underside. Flowers floating, large, up to 1m in diameter; petals white becoming pink or red. Fruits large, prickly, berry-like with many seeds. Seeds measure 1cm. Pollinated by Cylocephata castaneal beetle.

Explore the plant

Waterfall and pond in Rainforest Biome at Eden Project

The hollow veins in the huge leaves give strength and buoyancy.

Santa Cruz water lily bud

The bud opens into a white flower in the early evening and is scented to attract and temporarily trap a beetle (Cylocephata castaneal) that pollinates the plant.

Water lily flower

The flower turns pink or red the following day and lowers back into the water.

Where it grows

Slow moving waters in north Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Bolivia.

Follow the international Waterlily Weigh-off

Each year we compete with gardens and zoos from across the globe, putting our giant waterlilies to the test in a bid for the Heavyweight Waterlily Champion title. Denver Botanic Gardens originated the weigh-off which now sees countless collections go head to head for the grand prize (pride).

Follow us on TikTok to keep on top of the #waterlilyweighoff!

Facts

Related content

Rainforest Biome at Eden Project

Rainforest Biome

Explore our enormous indoor rainforest. Trek through the humid tropics via SE Asia, West Africa and South America.

Tulips growing in Mediterranean Biome at Eden Project

Mediterranean Biome

Experience sights, scents and stories from the Mediterranean, California, South Africa and Western Australia.

Tour guide showing visitors the Rainforest Biome

Premium Experiences

Make your visit even more memorable with one of our Premium Experiences, offering an exclusive and interactive experience into the heart of the Eden Project with one of our expert tour guides.

Dahlias growing in Outdoor Gardens at Eden Project

Outdoor Gardens

Our vast Outdoor Gardens are home to over 20 plant-based exhibits, colourful seasonal borders, art installations and play areas.