Kew tests giant waterlily with viral challenge

Kew Gardens has shared a video, external showing a staff member standing on a giant waterlily leaf as part of a weigh-off contest.

The Waterlily Weigh-Off 2025 runs until the end of August, with gardens around the world testing the leaves' weight capacity, usually with sandbags.

Leaves of Victoria amazonica can grow up to 10ft (3m) wide and stay afloat thanks to hollow veins and raised rims that keep water out.

Kew's lily may not surpass last year's 142.1lb (64.4kg) record, external, but could win the Public Choice award for its creative human test.

Kew says the staff member weighs about 54kg (119lb). She was balancing on one leg for rapper Nicki Minaj's viral stiletto challenge - although she wore waders instead of high heels to prevent any damage to the plant.

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