Question

Categorise the following plants into hydrophytes, halophytes, mesophytes and xerophytes. Give reasons for your answers.

a. Salvinia

b. Opuntia

c. Rhizophora

d. Mangifera

Answer 1

a) Habitat of Salvinia:

Salvinia is found in water, usually partially submerged into it. Thus, Salvinia is a hydrophyte.

Final answer: Hydrophyte

b) Habitat of Opuntia:

Opuntia is found in desert or dry habitats. Its leaves are modified to spines to reduce the loss of water. Thus, Opuntia is a xerophyte.

Final answer: Xerophyte

c) Habitat of Rhizophora:

Rhizophora is found along the sea shore and marshy areas with high salt concentration. Thus, Rhizophora is a halophyte.

Final answer: Halophyte

d) Habitat of Mangifera:

Mangifera commonly known as mango plant, is a terrestrial plant. It requires a moderate amount of water to grow and doesn’t require extreme hot or cold temperatures to grow. Thus, Mangifera is a mesophyte.

Final answer: Mesophyte