Rare giant lily pads draw impressive crowds to Paraguay lagoon

hese aquatic plants -- their scientific name is Victoria cruziana but locals call them "alligator lilies" -- sprawling enough that they can provide a hiding place for a small alligator.

They appear just every third or fourth southern hemisphere summer.

Over in Piquete Cue, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of Asuncion, fans of botany, water lilies and the unusual pay about $5 for one memorable boat ride to the bright yellowish green star of the really singular show.