Smallest species of waterlily

The smallest documented species of waterlily is the thermal waterlily (Nymphaea thermarum) which has pads that span just 10-20 mm (0.3-0.6 in) across. Its yellow flowers are about the same size as a penny.

The thermal waterlily is now believed to be extinct in the wild. Its only natural habitat was a single hot spring in Mashyuxa, Rwanda, and a change in conditions due to agricultural use is thought to have altered conditions in the pool such that it became uninhabitable for the plant.

However, horticulturalist Carlos Magdalena (Spain) was able to save the lily from extinction by successfully germinating stored seeds at Kew Gardens in London, UK, in November 2009, where the plant is now on display, alongside the world's largest waterlily species, Victoria boliviana of South America, with pads that can exceed 3 m (9 ft 10 in) in diameter.