Which Plants Grow Only in Water?

Plants are crucial for healthy living. Apart from providing food and oxygen, they also help to purify the air we breathe. Most of the time, we see plants growing in soil, but some plants grow solely in water. These are called hydrophytes, and they can be found in various environments such as wetlands, marshes, and bogs. In this article, we explore some of the plants that grow only in water.

The Water Lily

The water lily is one of the most famous aquatic plants. It has large, round leaves that float on the water and produces beautiful flowers that bloom on the surface. There are various types of water lilies, and they come in different sizes and colors. The water lily is commonly found in still water bodies like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.

The Water Hyacinth

The water hyacinth is another well-known aquatic plant. It has thick, waxy leaves that allow it to float on the water surface. The plant also has beautiful lavender flowers that grow to one foot above the water. The water hyacinth is native to South America, but it has now spread to various parts of the world. In some areas, the water hyacinth is considered an invasive species because it can quickly take over and cause problems for native plants and animals.

The Duckweed

The duckweed is a tiny aquatic plant that floats on the surface of the water. It has a single, oval-shaped leaf and a small root that hangs into the water. The duckweed is known for its fast growth rate and ability to reproduce rapidly, making it a useful plant for wastewater treatment. It also serves as food for some aquatic animals like ducks, fish, and even humans.

The Water Lettuce

The water lettuce is a free-floating plant with light green leaves that grow in a rosette pattern. The plant is native to South America but is now found in many parts of the world. The water lettuce serves as food for aquatic animals and also helps to purify the water by removing excess nutrients. However, like the water hyacinth, the water lettuce can also become invasive and cause problems for native plants and animals.

The Watercress

The watercress is a plant that grows in shallow, running water. It has small, round leaves with a peppery taste that is often used in salads and sandwiches. The plant is rich in vitamins and minerals and is considered a superfood because of its health benefits. The watercress is also known for its ability to purify water by removing pollutants and heavy metals.

The Pickerelweed

The pickerelweed is a plant that grows in shallow water or on the edges of water bodies like ponds and lakes. It has tall, upright stems with spikes of purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The plant also has large, heart-shaped leaves that float on the water surface. The pickerelweed serves as a habitat for many aquatic animals like fish and insects.

In Conclusion

Plants that grow solely in water, or hydrophytes, are an essential component of aquatic ecosystems. They serve as food and shelter for many aquatic animals and also help to purify the water by removing pollutants and excess nutrients. Some of the well-known hydrophytes include the water lily, water hyacinth, duckweed, water lettuce, watercress, and pickerelweed. It is always important to ensure that these plants are conserved and protected to maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem.