A series of the annual lotus blossom festival events has been held for more than a decade in Guanyin Township, Taoyuan County. Not only the events are getting more exciting and entertaining each year, but the diversity of lotus species has increased as well. Speaking of which, such as the so-called world’s smallest white water snowflake (Nymphoides indica), the world’s largest Victoria water lily (Victoria amazonica) with very large leaves and Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera “Big Versicolor”) with over one hundred petals are the rare species that can be seen in Taiwan.

Although white water snowflake, also known as Nymphoides indica, has a name relevant to India, it is a native genus of aquatic flowering plant in Taiwan with submerged root and floating leaves that hold the tiny flowers above the water surface. This is how it gets a name as “the crested floating heart”. As a result of only three-centimetre white pedals in diameter, white water snowflake has been hailed as the world’s smallest lotus. Apart from the lovely small bud, the hairy and pure white petals look feathers! The blossoming period of white water snowflake is from 10 am to 4 pm every day between July and September.

Victoria amazonica is native to water areas of Amazon River basin. The world’s largest lotus has a leaf, which is up to 2.8 meters in diameter and can be loaded up to 80 kilograms! Victoria water lily is well-known for its very huge and thick leaves, and because of its immensity, people often forget about the existence of its flower. In fact, Victoria amazonica has a very short flowering period. Its flowers can only last for three to five days. The flowers are white the first night they are open, become pink the second night and turn red the third night. As a result of photophobia, Victoria amazonica usually opens its flowers at dusk or night. If you would like to appreciate the beautiful flowers of Victoria amazonica, you probably need some luck!

Nelumbo nucifera “Big Versicolor” is a retained traditional genus in China, which is famed for its multi-petalled bowl-shaped flower. The mature flower has over ten layers of petals and the number of petals is up to 100. The petal is about 11 centimeters in diameter and 7 centimeters in width. When in full bloom, its versicolor petals and drop-dead gorgeous flowers surely will be really eye-catching and stunning!


Source from TTNews