Question

Explain different types of hydrophytes with examples.

Answer 1

Hydrophytes: 
The plants which are living in water or wet places are called hydrophytes. According to their relation to water and air, they are sub-divided into the following categories:

1. Free-floating hydrophytes
2. Rooted-floating hydrophytes
3. Submerged floating hydrophytes
4. Rooted- submerged hydrophytes
5. Amphibious hydrophytes.

1.  Free-floating hydrophytes: These plants float freely on the surface of the water. They remain in contact with water and air, but not with soil. Examples: Eichhornia, Pistia, and Wolffia (smallest flowering plant).
2. Rooted floating hydrophytes: In these plants, the roots are fixed in the mud, but their leaves and flowers are floating on the surface of the water. These plants are in contact with soil, water, and air. Examples: Nelumbo, Nymphaea, Potomogeton, and Marsilea.
3. Submerged floating hydrophytes: These plants are completely submerged in water and not in contact with soil and air. Examples: Ceratophyllum and Utricularia.
4. Rooted-submerged hydrophytes: These plants are completely submerged in water and rooted in the soil and not in contact with air. Examples: Hydrilla, Vallisneria, and Isoetes.
5. Amphibious hydrophytes (Rooted emergent hydrophytes): These plants are adapted to both aquatic and terrestrial modes of life. They grow in shallow water. Examples: Ranunculus, Typha, and Sagittaria.