Categories of hydrophytes:
- Free-floating hydrophytes: These plants are completely free-floating in water and are not attached to the bottom. They have large, flat leaves that help them to float on the surface of the water. Examples of free-floating hydrophytes include water lilies (Nymphaea), water hyacinths (Eichhornia), and duckweeds (Lemna).
- Rooted-floating hydrophytes: These plants are rooted in the bottom of the water, but their leaves and flowers float on the surface of the water. They have long, thin leaves that help them to trap sunlight and nutrients. Examples of rooted-floating hydrophytes include lotus (Nelumbo), water chestnut (Trapa), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale).
- Submerged hydrophytes: These plants are completely submerged in water and are not visible from the surface. They have thin, hair-like leaves that help them to absorb oxygen from the water. Examples of submerged hydrophytes include hornwort (Ceratophyllum), waterweed (Elodea), and bladderwort (Utricularia).
These are just a few examples of the many different types of hydrophytes. Hydrophytes play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem, providing food and shelter for many animals. They also help to purify the water and prevent erosion.