How a plant selfie in Colombian jungle led to ‘jaw dropping’ giant waterlily find
A new species of giant waterlily was discovered in Colombia after a botanist spotted a photo on Instagram. The plant is critically endangered and notable for its massive size, which is visible from space.
Why it matters
The discovery underscores the role of social media in modern scientific research and the urgent need to protect biodiversity in the Amazon.
Jeremiah Harris in one of the pictures he posted on Instagram that was seen by waterlily expert Carlos Magdalena. Photograph: Jeremiah Harris Jeremiah Harris in one of the pictures he posted on Instagram that was seen by waterlily expert Carlos Magdalena. Photograph: Jeremiah Harris Plants How a plant selfie in Colombian jungle led to ‘jaw dropping’ giant waterlily find Species with leaves large enough to be seen from space is already critically endangered – and plans are afoot to protect it
Pippa Neill Environment reporter Fri 9 Oct 2026 05.00 BST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google A chance social media encounter has led to the race-against-time discovery of a new species of giant waterlily that has until now been hidden in the depths of Colombia’s jungle.
But the plant, which is so huge it is visible from space, is already considered critically endangered.
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