Victoria's Biggest Secret 3

Victoria amazonica: New bud and gigantic leaf. This plant got its name in honour of Queen Victoria. The plant has the largest undivided leaf of all plants and it can grow up to 3 m (9.8ft) in diameter – and can support an adult’s weight up to 50 kg. The flower stalk grows at a stunning growth rate of six inches per day, and the bloom lives only three days. The white female bloom opens in the first night, attracting scarab beetles by heating up its core to 95°C and by releasing a delicious butterscotch-and-pineapple aroma. It then closes up, trapping the beetle inside. The next day it will release the beetle after pollination, turn pink, become male and sink to the bottom of the pond, where seeds will start developing. The leaves, as well as the flowers are covered in thorns to protect it against predators. The leaves are also covered in stiff spines at the bottom for better support. The Amazon is the natural habitat for this amazing plant, but it thrives in Thailand as well due to the tropical climate.

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