THE STUNNING TRUTH ABOUT COLOMBIA'S RIVER OF FIVE COLORS

[Judi Lynn]

BY SCOTT WILLIAMSON/AUG. 12, 2021 4:18 PM EDT/UPDATED: AUG. 12, 2021 5:03 PM EDT

South America has been a source of mystery for centuries within the fields of biology and archaeology. The titanic Amazon rainforest holds within it all sorts of natural wonders in the way of plant and animal life. It also holds the remains of mysterious settlements that long predate the rise of the Incan empire — which was once thought to be the pinnacle of South American civilization. Meanwhile in Colombia, a river stands out as one of the most visually unique ecosystems in the world. 

Caño Cristales, also known as the "River of Five Colors" and the "Liquid Rainbow," is a 62-mile-long body of water which can appear as any mix of colors including yellow, blue, green, orange, and a purplish red (via Travel + Leisure). While multiple colors appearing at once is a relatively rare occurrence, the river is nevertheless a spectacular sight whenever it bears any color. Although at first it may appear as though artificial dye was added to the water, this rainbow river is a completely natural phenomenon.  

THE RIVER'S DEFINING COLORS ARE DUE TO ONE PLANT

Caño Cristales' various colors are the result of Macarenia clavigera, a rare species of aquatic plant that spans the length of the river (via Gentside). The plants change color depending on how much sunlight they receive, which is determined by the height and speed of the water. It is therefore not uncommon for the plants to be completely colorless if sunlight is too inaccessible. Macarenia Clavigera is also an exceptionally delicate plant; its transparent leaves give the water an almost painted appearance (via the BBC). 

This makes them easily damaged by major disturbances in the water and, unfortunately, human visitors initially tended to trample them while swimming. Once a tourist industry was established around the site, regulations were put in place that cut down the number of visitors, prohibited any chemicals such as bug spray, and limited how many people could swim at one time. Regardless, The River of Five Colors stands out as one of Colombia's most popular natural attractions, drawing thousands of tourists every year (via CNN).

https://www.grunge.com/484704/mysteries-of-the-rainforest-youve-never-heard-of/

[broiles]

1. Amazing! Thanks.

[Judi Lynn]

2. Thank you, broiles.

[brer cat]

3. That is stunning!

Thanks so much for sharing these gorgeous but somewhat eerie pictures.

[Judi Lynn]

4. Eerie is definitely appropriate. Totally other-wordly to me, in every way.

Learning how the colors are formed is in no way something I would expect.

(I'm not so sure I would want to go into the water, although it appears some people do. I have wondered if the plant life filters the water. The water itself does look very clear....)

Thank you, brer cat.

[cojoel]

5. you have posted some amazing stuff tonight

(and for that matter other times too)

But this is absolutely my favorite. It looks like something I may study further. Thank you!

[SCantiGOP]

6. If you happened to walk up on that unexpectantly

Your first reaction might be to try to remember what mushrooms you may have eaten.