A remarkable discovery of a species of giant waterlily, significant enough to be observed from space, was accidentally initiated by a selfie posted on Instagram. This discovery, later named Victoria colombiana, showcases the unexpected intersections between technology and nature.
Five years ago, Jeremiah Harris posted a selfie featuring himself among giant waterlilies in the Inírida River, Guainía, Colombia, unknowingly capturing a rare find.
Harris, who owns a carnivorous plant nursery, mistakenly labeled the waterlily as the common Victoria amazonica. However, the photo caught the keen eye of Carlos Magdalena, a botanical expert from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London.
Upon seeing Harris’s image, Magdalena suspected something uncommon, realizing the Victoria amazonica does not naturally occur in the Inírida River. This prompted him to consider it might be an unrecognized species.
According to The Guardian, Magdalena contacted Harris to confirm the location of the photo. The quest to investigate the new species took several years, involving satellite studies and extensive preparations for a direct exploration. Magdalena, with a team from Bogotá’s botanical garden and local Indigenous reserves, embarked on a five-day expedition into Colombia’s rainforests.
After relentless searching and local guidance, they located the elusive waterlilies with just hours to spare. The expedition was ultimately successful when they reached a lake by night, revealing the distinct plants captured in the original selfie.
This discovery, demonstrating the intersection of technology and nature, echoes how laser scans revealed birch trees’ nightly dance, showcasing the blend of tech and natural wonders.
“It was an incredibly emotional moment,” Magdalena tells Phys.Org.
Scientific Recognition and Victoria Colombiana
In a new paper published in the journal Phytotaxa, Magdalena’s research confirmed this waterlily as a new species, naming it Victoria colombiana. Its vast pads can reach up to 6.6 feet, making them visible from space. However, the species is already critically endangered, with conservation plans underway. Estimates suggest there are only 30 to 50 of these plants in the wild.
“Few discoveries are as remarkable as this giant waterlily,” states Maarten Christenhusz, a noted plant taxonomist, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preserving biodiversity.
Such fascinating botanical discoveries highlight the need to explore and preserve the world’s biodiversity. Exploring the world’s endangered trees can provide further insight into the importance of environmental conservation.
This groundbreaking botanical discovery underscores the vital role of exploration in conservation and highlights the unexpected intersections between technology and nature.
Sources & Links
Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
How was the new giant waterlily species discovered?
The discovery was initiated by a selfie posted on Instagram by Jeremiah Harris, which caught the attention of botanical expert Carlos Magdalena. Magdalena suspected it might be an unrecognized species and embarked on an expedition to confirm it.
What is the name of the new waterlily species?
The new species of giant waterlily was named Victoria colombiana.
What size can Victoria colombiana waterlily pads reach?
Victoria colombiana waterlily pads can reach up to 6.6 feet, making them visible from space.