2006-07-06 15:01:52 · 19 answers · asked by jvarjao 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Botany
I've seen pictures of a giant lily pad with people standing on it.
Here's a link to the giant lilypad of Brazil that can hold several people:
http://library.thinkquest.org/2911/tqlily.htm
2006-07-06 15:09:01 · answer #1 · answered by Ginger/Virginia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The largest lilies belong to the genus Victoria; there are two members of the genus, V. cruziana and amazonica. Hybrids between the two are common, and these hybrids are fertile with other members of the genus.
The leaves of plants of this genus may reach 6' and even more; I think the record is almost 8'. They have characteristic lips that prevent water from lapping over the edges. They are capable of supporting a few pounds of weight, and images of children on floating victoria leaves are nothing new.
Images of adults on the pads are done with a support in the water underneath the pad, allowing the person to stand on the support with the pad between their feet and the platform. In this manner, they appear to be standing on the pad, which is certainly not the case. They are not sufficiently buoyant to support a full-grown adult.
2006-07-06 21:18:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it depends on how many lily pads we're talking about, and whether it's on land or in water. Just one won't, in water, but I was walking the other day on a thick mat of marsh pennywort and it was like walking on a waterbed--you sank a little, but not all the way to the bottom--so theoretically you could be supported by an interwoven mat of lily pads.
2006-07-09 17:28:13 · answer #3 · answered by candy2mercy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At Kew Gardens The Victoria Amazonica is grown from seed every year, and flowers briefly in mid-summer. Its gigantic leaves, growing to six feet or more, can support 45 kilogrammes, provided the load is evenly spread. So, it cannot support an adult but will support a child (see link pic).
2006-07-07 17:01:38 · answer #4 · answered by myrtguy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uhhhh...no. I'm no expert, but I'd say lily pads can't support anything heavier than a pound.
2006-07-06 15:05:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not most of them. But I think there's this one giant species in the Amazon that might be able to.
2006-07-06 15:56:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not unless you're two inches tall and weigh less than a pound.
2006-07-06 15:05:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not less you do not weigh more than a frog, why would you ask such a question, have you never read books.
2006-07-06 15:07:15 · answer #8 · answered by wizard 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
I found that out the hard way.
2006-07-06 15:05:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
um no. But, why don't you go find one and let us know how that works out for you.
2006-07-06 15:05:21 · answer #10 · answered by hswatsonaz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋