Evening venture at Gruson greenhouses, open from August 13, continuing until 10 PM
Gruson Greenhouses to Showcase Rare Blooming of Giant Water Lily
On August 13th, the Gruson Greenhouses will host an enchanting event known as Victoria Night, where visitors can witness the breathtaking bloom of the South American giant water lily, Victoria cruziana. This impressive aquatic plant, native to river systems around Bolivia and parts of the Amazon basin, is one of the most remarkable plants in the greenhouses.
Historically, Victoria cruziana has been recognized alongside Victoria amazonica as one of the most imposing aquatic plants in South America. Botanically, it is notable for its large, thickly veined circular leaves that can reach several feet in diameter (60 to 180 cm or about 2 to 6 feet). These leaves have distinct upturned edges, giving them the appearance of large shallow pans or trays floating on the water surface.
During the Victoria Night, a time-lapse film will be shown, illustrating the development of the blooms. The bloom reaches its full glory at sunset, opening in two consecutive nights during its development. This rare event is a sight to behold, as the bloom's size and vibrant colours create a mesmerizing spectacle.
In addition to the water lily's bloom, visitors can enjoy tropical cocktails and snacks in the inner courtyard. Greenhouse staff will be available for questions and explanations from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, providing insight into the plant's biology, cultural significance, and adaptations to its aquatic environment.
Biologist Dr. Michael Gruß will also give two presentations at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, offering a deeper understanding of the water lily and its role in the ecosystem. The regular entrance fee for the greenhouses is 3.50 Euro, with a reduced fee of 2.00 Euro for the Victoria Night event.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to witness the breathtaking bloom of the South American giant water lily at the Gruson Greenhouses on August 13th. For more information, visit their official website or contact the greenhouses directly.
[1] "Victoria cruziana." Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.kew.org/plant-science/plants/victoria-cruziana
[2] "Victoria cruziana." Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c783
[3] "Victoria cruziana." National Geographic Society. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/victoria-cruziana/
[4] "Victoria cruziana." Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/plant/Victoria-cruziana
[5] "Victoria cruziana." Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Accessed July 27, 2023. https://www.si.edu/tropicalia/explore-tropics/plants/victoria-cruziana
[1] "Other fascinating sights for visitors interested in home-and-garden and lifestyle at the Gruson Greenhouses event include tropical cocktails and snacks served in the inner courtyard."
[2] "Incorporating the giant water lily, Victoria cruziana, into your own lifestyle may seem challenging, but this Otherworldly plants can thrive in specific home-and-garden settings with proper care and habitat."
