Question

List out the different kinds of hydrophytes with examples.

Answer 1

Hydrophytes are the plants that grow in the regions, where there is plenty of water supply like in the lakes, rivers, wet soils.

According to their relation to water and air, the hydrophytes are grouped into four categories.

1. Free-floating hydrophytes: These plants float freely on the surface of the water but are not rooted in the soil. These plants are in contact with both water and air. Examples are Eichhornia, Pistia, Wolffia, Lemna.

2. Floating but rooted hydrophytes: These are rooted in the mud but their leaves and flowering shoots float on the water surface. Examples are Victoria regia, Nymphea, Nelumbium, Marselia.

3. Submerged hydrophytes: Plants that grow below the water surface and not in contact with the atmosphere are called free-floating submerged hydrophytes. Examples are Ceratophyllum, Utricularia. Some plants are completely immersed in water and rooted in the mud. Examples are Hydrilla, Vallisneria, Potamogetom.

4. Amphibious hydrophytes: These plants grow in shallow waters. Their roots, some part of the stems and leaves are submerged in water. Some flowering shoots spring well above the water. Examples are Limnophylla, Typha, Sagittaria.