Abstract:

Victoria (Nymphaeaceae) spp., known as “The Queen of flowers in water”, are famous aquatic ornamental plants. In the existing literature, their discoverer, namer and scientific names are ambiguous and vague. In this paper, its establishing and naming history of taxonomic status is verified, and the origin of different names are explored. The results show that Victoria is named after Queen Victoria, by John Lindley in 1837. There are two species in this genus, V. amazonica and V. cruziana. The discovery and naming of V. amazonica has been controversial. At present, V. amazonica (Poepp.) J. C. Sowerby is widely accepted, which was established by James De Carle Sowerby in 1850. Another specie was named by Alcide D’Orbigny in 1840. Key words Victoria, discovery, history of naming