Which Amazon Rainforest plant has leaves that can grow to about 3 metres across?

Victoria amazonica is the Amazon Rainforest plant whose leaves can grow to about 3 metres across.

This giant water lily is native to the shallow, slow-moving waters of the Amazon Basin. Its enormous circular leaves float on the surface and have an upturned rim plus strong radiating veins that help support them. A mature leaf can carry considerable weight when that weight is distributed carefully across the structure.

The plant was formerly known as Victoria regia, a name associated with Queen Victoria. It was renamed Victoria amazonica after botanical classification separated it from related water lilies. Its large flowers open at night and may change colour as they age, attracting pollinators such as beetles.

Victoria amazonica is often confused with other giant lilies, especially Victoria cruziana. The two species overlap in appearance, but Victoria amazonica is the iconic giant water lily most strongly associated with the Amazon.