The largest aquatic plant is Victoria amazonica with massive floating leaves measuring up to 9.8 ft. in diameter growing on 23-26 ft. long stalks.
A civilized competition between the Duke of Devonshire and the Duke of Northumberland began in 1849 to become the first to cultivate and bring to flower this enormous tropical lily. In the end, both were successful, but the Duke of Devonshire presented Queen Victoria with one of the first flowers and named it in her honor.
The blooms open at night and on the first night are white, but turn pink the second night. Although the leaves are delicate, their thick ribbed undersurface can support up to 70 pounds.