# New Giant Water Lily Species Discovered in Colombia Satellite imagery and indigenous knowledge reveal the rare Victoria colombiana species in the Amazon. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://brifing.si/source/cc3d313a-759c-4802-b881-fc8585f35ef9) - **Published:** 2026-10-18 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cbc9c9d1-e716-41a5-8bbc-bc6defc13d79 ## Digital Discovery Process In December 2021, Jeremiah Harris posted photos of giant water lilies from Colombia on Instagram. Botanist Carlos Magdalena noticed these plants in an area where no Victoria species were previously known to exist. He utilized satellite imagery to remotely scan the Inírida River, confirming the presence of these massive, visible-from-space aquatic plants. ## Expedition Challenges Faced Magdalena and his research team from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, conducted a five-day expedition to Guainía. They faced significant obstacles, including a late rainy season that hindered their search. By their final night, the team had only located two non-flowering specimens, which were insufficient for the formal scientific description required for identification. ## Indigenous Knowledge Integration The breakthrough occurred when boat captain Gustavo Melo, a member of the local Indigenous Tucano community, intervened. He guided the researchers to a small lake at 1:00 a.m. on their final day. This crucial local knowledge allowed the team to find five more plants, including one essential blooming specimen, just before their flight. ## Scientific Classification Results The team successfully collected the necessary samples to formally describe the new species, Victoria colombiana. This discovery, published in the journal Phytotaxa, also coincided with the announcement of another species, Victoria mattogrossensis. These findings highlight the importance of combining modern botanical research with traditional knowledge to identify rare and previously unknown plant life. ## Vulnerability and Conservation Status Researchers estimate that only 30 to 50 wild V. colombiana plants remain in their natural habitat. Due to this extremely low population count, the species is considered highly vulnerable to extinction. The team is currently working to secure an official Critically Endangered status for the plant on the IUCN Red List to ensure protection. ## Future Protection Strategies To prevent the loss of this rare species, experts are exploring the creation of a naturalized population in a more accessible lake within Indigenous territory. Additionally, researchers are attempting to cultivate the species in Bogotá. These proactive measures aim to mitigate the risks posed by the plant's limited distribution and environmental threats in Colombia. ## Technological Synergy in Botany The discovery serves as a prime example of how social media, satellite technology, and Indigenous expertise can converge to achieve significant botanical milestones. By leveraging digital platforms to identify potential sites and collaborating with local communities, scientists can overcome geographic barriers to document biodiversity that was previously hidden from the global scientific community. ## Urgency of Botanical Research Carlos Magdalena emphasizes that the identification of Victoria colombiana brings a new responsibility to understand and protect the species. With numerous wild plants facing extinction, the team advocates for immediate action rather than delay. This case underscores the necessity of rapid conservation efforts for newly discovered species in fragile, threatened ecosystems worldwide. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/environment/new-water-lily-can-be-seen-from-space/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._