The Tropical Wetlands house is verdant with lush plantings of aquatic waterlily and lotus, trailing passionflowers, and even a rice paddy. All combine to make an evocative planting, reminiscent of the moisture-rich environments in which they originate.
Victoria cruziana
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The centrepiece for this display is the pool which houses a giant Santa Cruz waterlily, Victoria cruziana, whose leaves unfurl to reveal ferocious spikes on the underside. The flowers of this plant are fascinating, lasting only two nights, and initially opening as female, but after pollination, becoming male.
Nelumbo 'Albo Striata'
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Watch the film below to discover more about the Victoria cruziana. Narrated by Alex Summers, the Glasshouse Supervisor.
Growing alongside is the sacred lotus, Nelumbo ‘Albo Striata’ whose leaves have a built-in water repellency. Surrounding plantings of carnivorous pitcher plants and cascading passionflowers add further diversity.
Passiflora garckei
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