By Nicola Temple
 |
| A photo taken a couple of years ago – I have a grasp on my son as he leans over into the tropical pool to get a good look. Victoria cruziana is in flower as is the lotus above us. Photo credit: Shelby Temple |
For me, one of the highlights at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden is the giant waterlily (Victoria cruziana) that lives in the pond in the tropical glass house. Its enormous leaves, which can reach 2 metres in diameter, are studded with spines on the underside and always provide ample wow factor for visiting children (my own included). (more…)