Water Lilies at Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

This photo shows the water lily pond at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, commonly known as Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, in the village of Pamplemousses, about 10 km north-east of Port Louis. The garden is one of the most important historic botanical sites in Mauritius and has been known by several names over time, including Jardin de Mon Plaisir, Jardin des Plantes, Jardin du Roy and Royal Botanical Garden, before being renamed in 1988 after Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first Prime Minister of Mauritius. The pond is one of the garden's most photographed features, especially because of its water lilies and aquatic plants. The official garden information identifies the rectangular water lily pond as home to the famous giant water lily of the Amazon, Victoria amazonica. In this image, the low angle places the water lilies close to the viewer, with flowers rising above the round floating leaves and the garden's palms and greenery in the background. It is a good example of why Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is not only visited for its history, but also for its plant collections, ponds, and quiet garden landscapes.