Paraguay’s Giant Lily Pads Make a Surprising Comeback

After being listed as endangered in 2006, a number of spectacular giant lily pads have reappeared in a Paraguay lagoon, surprising locals and internationals alike.

The plants appeared 25 km north of Asunción, the country’s capital, in a tributary of the Paraguay river. These amazing water lilies are known for their huge 1.5 meter size.

Paraguay‘s environment ministry said that the plant was badly affected by dredging, as well as visitors collecting the plants, causing them to disappear.

Locals reportedly use the plant to make medicinal tea, believing that it can help with asthma and bronchial disorders. Even so, authorities have warned that they will fine anyone who tries to harvest the lily pads.