Who is the Lady with the Flower?

Did you know that the Prickly Water Lily has a fascinating connection to Greek mythology? In ancient times, it was believed to be associated with Euryale, one of the three Gorgon sisters. Euryale, along with her sisters Medusa and Stheno, were transformed into Gorgons as a punishment.

The tale goes that Medusa, Euryale's sister, had a forbidden love affair with Poseidon, the God of the Sea, within the sacred temple of Athena. This angered the goddess Athena, who, in her fury, cursed Medusa and turned her into a Gorgon. As Euryale was present during this event, she too suffered the same fate, becoming a fearsome Gorgon.

Centuries later, botanists discovered a striking resemblance between Euryale Ferox, the scientific name for the Prickly Water Lily, and the legendary Euryale. Thus, the plant became known as a living reminder of this captivating myth, bridging ancient tales with botanical wonders.  This water lily, like its namesake, boasts ancient superfood properties and adds a touch of vibrant beauty to water bodies and marshlands with its striking purple flowers.