Giant king lotus leaves can reach a diameter of 3-4m under favorable environmental conditions, and can bear loads of up to 80kg.

King lotus, also known as silkworm lotus or water lily, is a very unique plant species grown in lakes at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden.

This is a giant lotus native to the Amazon River basin, South America, with the scientific name Victoria amazonica, introduced to Vietnam many decades ago.

The characteristic feature of the king lotus is its giant leaves, which can reach 3-4m in diameter under favorable environmental conditions.

The rim of each leaf curls up like the rim of a saw.

Each of these leaves can bear a load of up to 80kg, equivalent to an adult.

The underside of the leaves has blood-red veins and sharp thorns.

King lotus leaf when young.

King lotus buds and flowers are white when they first bloom, gradually turn pink in the evening, and dark purple when they fade.

The stem of the king lotus tree can be up to 10 meters long, submerged under the water surface.

Around the world, king lotus is a popular plant in tropical parks due to its unique appearance.