This is a photo of the underside of a Victoria Lily, the largest aquatic lily on earth. These massive lilies grow in quiet sections of the rivers and tributaries that make up the Amazon River basin. Victoria lilies can grow up to six feet in diameter! In fact, the lily is so big, indigenous people used (and some groups still might) them as cradles for their babies while fishing. The lily is strong enough to support the small child.
The underside of the Victoria lily is covered in toxic thorns that keep it from being eaten by fish from below. Getting stung by a thorn is apparently very painful, however, the bottom roots and bulbs are edible.
The topside of the lily is green, which promotes photosynthesis and growth from the sun's energy. However, when sunlight enters water, the red bottom of the lily is more effective in transforming the sunlight into energy. When the lily flowers, it produces a beautiful white and pink blossom.
