Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: A giant water lily native to the Amazon region has bloomed in Odisha’s capital, Bhubaneswar, bringing a rare botanical attraction to Lok Seva Bhawan, the state secretariat.

Scientifically known as Victoria amazonica, the giant water lily has been planted in a water tank on the Lok Seva Bhawan premises. The initiative aims to promote the cultivation, conservation and research of the species in Odisha.

The effort was made possible by Jayanta Kumar Jena, superintendent of Capital Nursery.

Jena first saw the giant water lily at the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah, West Bengal. Inspired by the plant, he decided to explore the possibility of growing it in Odisha.

He later contacted Dr R. Sravan, a botanist associated with the Botanical Survey of India, to learn about the cultivation and research requirements of the species. Dr Sravan extended his support and guidance.

After collecting the plant’s tubers and preparing the initial water tank arrangements, Jena invited the botanist to Odisha for further assistance.

In July this year, four tubers of the giant water lily were brought and planted at Capital Nursery and on the Lok Seva Bhawan premises. Three of the four plants survived and grew successfully. The plants began flowering last week.

The giant water lily is best known for its enormous floating leaves, which can grow up to three metres in diameter. Their upturned edges give them the appearance of large, shallow bowls.

Its flowers are another major attraction. The flowering process lasts around 48 hours. During the first night, the flower opens in white and releases a fragrance that attracts nocturnal beetles, which help in pollination.

On the second night, the flower changes to pink or purplish shades before eventually sinking beneath the water.

A group of students from the Faculty of Forestry at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) visited Capital Nursery to observe the giant water lily.

The students learned about its cultivation and growth process and expressed interest in the rare aquatic plant.

The initiative is expected to encourage greater awareness of exotic aquatic plants and support future cultivation and research efforts in Odisha.