Page 130 - Super Earth Encyclopedia

RIVER OF FIVE

COLORS

CAÑO CRISTALES

The Caño Cristales in Central Colombia has been
called the most beautiful river in the world. It is famous
for its crystal clear waters, but more especially for the
aquatic plants that grow in them. For most of the year,
they are barely noticeable. But for a few months, when
the water is at just the right depth, a rare water plant
called Macarenia clavigera turns a brilliant red. Its vivid
color is set off by green waterweeds, blue and black
water, and yellow sand, creating a dazzling spectacle.

AT A GLANCE
• LOCATION Serranía de la Macarena,

Colombia, South America
• NEAREST CITY Bogota
• RIVER LENGTH 62 miles (100 km)

• TIME OF YEAR Phenomenon occurs
from August to November

STATS AND FACTS

RARE PLANT RIVER LIFE
The multicolored
Caño Cristales is The red The Caño Cristales
Macarenia
River has no fish,
also known as clavigera weed is because the very
“The River of Five found nowhere pure water contains
else on Earth.
so little food.
Colors” or the
WATER WORLD It is a fast-flowing PLANT SIZE cm about 2 in (5 cm) long. 6 3 8
“Liquid Rainbow.”
river with many
Individual Macarenia
clavigera plants are
rapids and
waterfalls.
4
2
2
in
1
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