Which water-lily species is recognized as the largest in the world by leaf size?

Victoria boliviana is recognized as the largest water-lily species by leaf size.

This giant water lily was formally described in 2022 after researchers determined that specimens long identified as Victoria amazonica represented a separate species. Its enormous floating leaves can approach 3.2 metres in diameter under favorable conditions.

Victoria boliviana is native to Bolivia, where it grows in shallow, seasonally flooded waters. Its leaves have strong raised ribs and upturned margins that help support their broad surfaces.

The species was named for Bolivia, while the genus Victoria honors Queen Victoria. It is easy to confuse this plant with Victoria amazonica, another giant water lily from South America; the two differ in features including seed shape and leaf dimensions.