Unique Flower Blooms into La. Purchase Gardens and Zoo
By: Daisy O'Donnell
Updated: August 2, 2010
The Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is not just for the birds anymore; now it’s home to an exotic flower.
A new addition to the zoo in Monroe has a blooming fan club made up of parents and their kids.
They’re here to see a rare flower that usually grows in South America, called the giant Victoria water lily.
The lily pads that float on water are a part of the plant, and grow anywhere from six to eight feet wide.
Botanists say the flower usually blooms in the early morning, and the flower is a vivid white.
“When it’s open, it’s between 10 to 12 inches wide. The idea is to emit a sweet, strong fragrance to trap a beetle,” said Kerry Heafner, greenhouse manager.
Hurry up to see this unique flower in bloom since it only lasts as long as the summer months.
