AN enormous water lily has flowered at Durham City's Botanic Garden.
The giant Amazonian water lily, which has leaves up to two metres long, has been grown successfully in the garden's new pond.
Head gardener Mike Hughes said: "This is the first time we have grown the lily in Durham, so we are really pleased it has flowered.
"It was grown from a seedling and grew at around two centimetres a day.
"It has a huge leaf which is supposed to be able to hold the weight of a small child, although we haven't tested that yet."
The lily was introduced to England in 1837 and named Victoria Amazonica in honour of the Queen.
Unfortunately, the first one died, but it was later successfully cultivated at Kew Gardens and at Chatsworth, in Derbyshire
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