Sort water plants three ways: floating freely, fixed to the pond bed, and living fully underwater.
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What aquatic plants are, and the ones that float without being attached
Many plants grow in ponds, lakes and other water bodies. Such plants, found in water, are called aquatic plants.
The word aqua means water, and aquatic simply means existing or happening in water. Aquatic plants are of two main types: some float on water while others live under water.
Two questions on free floating plants and their air filled cavities
Which of the following is an example of a free floating plant?
Lotus and water lily are attached to the pond bed, with broad leaves and holed stems
Lotus and water lily are beautiful examples of fixed aquatic plants.
Unlike free floating plants which drift along the surface, such plants are firmly attached to the pond bed. To adapt to being anchored underwater while needing sunlight above, they have stems with holes and their leaves are broad.
The chapter's labelled photographs of water lettuce, hyacinth, lotus and water lily
While both types live on the surface, fixed plants anchor deeply into the mud below.
Two items on lotus, water lily and kamal kakri
Unlike plants that drift freely on the surface, fixed aquatic plants are firmly attached to the . They develop stems with holes and broad leaves to survive in their environment. A famous example of a fixed aquatic plant is the lotus. In many regions, the stem of the lotus, commonly called kamal kakri, is harvested and eaten as a .
Hydrilla lives underwater and helps fish get enough oxygen
Not all water plants float on the surface. Hydrilla is an example of a plant that grows entirely underwater.
Instead of broad flat pads, it has pointed and strap-like leaves. "Strap-like" simply means the leaves are long, narrow, and flat, just like a strap.
Two items on Hydrilla and what it does for pond water
Not all aquatic plants can be seen floating on the surface. For example, is an underwater plant that spends its life fully submerged, featuring pointed, strap-like leaves. These plants act as essential natural filters for the ecosystem. As they grow, they remove carbon dioxide and increase the content of the water, making it a healthy habitat for fish to survive.