Royal water lily can sustain a little boy around five years old. [Photo/Hainan Daily APP]
The Nanfan Research Institute of Science and Technology in Sanya has achieved success in experimentally planting two varieties of royal water lilies which were introduced to Hainan in 2016.
According to Yang Zhijuan, associate researcher of the Nanfan Crop and Plant Protection Center of the research institute, royal water lily is a famous tropical aquatic ornamental plant from the Amazon Rainforest of South America. With a diameter of up to two meters, the leaf can support a weight of up to 50 kg.
Leaves of royal water lilies can reach a diameter of two meters. [Photo/Hainan Daily APP]
Yang thought that the new species would attract more visitors to Hainan as it is rare domestically. With high ornamental and scientific values, the lily will help promote deep integration between characteristic tropical high-efficient agriculture and tourism.
Besides its leaves, the lily's flowers are also very special. The color of the first blossom is white while the second is pink. Moreover, the fragrant flower often blooms at night, closes on the next morning and opens again at noon or in the afternoon.
A re-opening flower of royal water lily in Sanya, Hainan province [Photo/Hainan Daily APP]
Overview
Haikou 
Sanya 
