Saturday, September 13, 2008

TRIVIA - THE GIANT WATER LILY

Victoria Regia

Do you know that the giant water lily Victoria Regia has leaves so large and bouyant that one can support the weight of a young child, like a raft. The leaves grow as large as eight feet across.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ive always found these things pretty magical. Theres something about them thats unique.

Anonymous said...

Parang batya!

Anonymous said...

Nakasingit!

Pwede bang gawin labahan yan ha ha ha!!! It's very interesting. Iba talaga ang nature!

Bay Martin said...

@ Ria,

That's what you call the miracle of nature!

Bay Martin said...

@ Monchin,

Yes, it does look like a batya. You remember before the plastic batya we were using the corrugated aluminum batya to wash our clothes!

Bay Martin said...

@ Ramon3381 and Ria

The pad of the giant water lily is the largest in the world. Due to its large size, it has special adaptations to support it in the water while keeping it laid flat.

The underside of the giant water lily is covered with sharp, inch-long spines which protect the pad from herbivorous fishes. The spines are apparently toxic, because being pricked by one is said to be extremely painful. Underwater parts (root and stem) and seed of the plant are edible. The pattern of ribs helps support the huge leaf.

DebbieDana said...

I learned something new today! Thanks to you! I love trivias btw...

Bay Martin said...

Many thanks for dropping by Debbie. I appreciate it.

I love interesing trivias, too!

Have a great time blogging!

Bay Martin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I haven't seen one. How bit is it?

Anonymous said...

Nasira ang batya ko, pwede ba 'to?