Where there are ponds and lakes in the Rupununi region of Guyana there are likely Victoria amazonica water lilies — the second largest in the world, with pads that can be ten feet in diameter and flowers that are sixteen inches across and weigh up to three and a half pounds. Victoria amazonica blooms at night. The flowers start out white and turn pink after releasing pollen. We watched as these flowers took about ten minutes to fully open and I used multiple flashlights to illuminate the scene. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor Z 24-70 f/2.8 lens, ISO 5000, f/2.8 at 1/30th of a second, flash lights.
Oh my goodness! We have these same lilies at the Naples Botanical Gardens in abundance! The guides there call them “Queen Victoria” . They look like quiche pans with their stand up edges. Their full story with the flowers changing colors etc. is quite fascinating!
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Where there are ponds and lakes in the Rupununi region of Guyana there are likely Victoria amazonica water lilies — the second largest in the world, with pads that can be ten feet in diameter and flowers that are sixteen inches across and weigh up to three and a half pounds. Victoria amazonica blooms at night. The flowers start out white and turn pink after releasing pollen. We watched as these flowers took about ten minutes to fully open and I used multiple flashlights to illuminate the scene. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor Z 24-70 f/2.8 lens, ISO 5000, f/2.8 at 1/30th of a second, flash lights.
Really lovely image, Sean. Amazing flora!!
Thanks Sue. I was really fascinated with all the water lilies (and was hoping to capture a giant river otter swimming amongst them — next time!)
Oh my goodness! We have these same lilies at the Naples Botanical Gardens in abundance! The guides there call them “Queen Victoria” . They look like quiche pans with their stand up edges. Their full story with the flowers changing colors etc. is quite fascinating!
And the really big ones can hold over 250 pounds. They are quite buoyant.
Spectacular! So glad you posted this fascinating lily with the information attached.
Thanks, Sean
Thanks Jane. I loved all the flora and fauna down in Guyana.
Love this photograph!