The species has very large leaves, up to 3 m in diameter, that float on the water's surface on a submerged stalk, 7–8 m in length.These water lilies support up to 70 pounds. This giant water lily was called Victoria regia after Queen Victoria of the UK when it was discovered by explorer Robert Schomburgk in 1836. Victoria amazonica is native to the shallow waters of the Amazon River basin, such as oxbow lakes and bayous. It is depicted in the Guyanese coat of arms. The flowers are white the first night they are open and become pink the second night. They are up to 40 cm in diameter, and are pollinated by beetles.
| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| Order: | Nymphaeales |
| Family: | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus: | Victoria |
| Species: | V. amazonica |
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