Have you ever seen a Victoria Regia Lily? Have you seen its leaves? They can usually be found floating gently on the surface of water. They have a delicate appearance, almost as if a slight wind could upset their balance and crumple them like tissue. To the casual observer, a pond or lake that has been taken over by Lilies and enormous Lily Pads may seem quite peaceful or even beautiful. However, there is a sinister secret hiding behind the Lily Pads!
Flipping over one of these leaves would reveal that its entire underside is populated by prickly thorns. As Lily Pads grow from tiny leaves into large discs, they use their thorns to crush and push away any smaller plants that may be in their way. Additionally, the thorns also serve as a defense mechanism to prevent plants and aquatic animals from damag-ing the leaves. Apart from all of this, an excessive population of Lily Pads can even begin to suffocate other plants and fishes by preventing sunlight and oxygen from entering the water.
