Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants can be divided in four categories; namely: (a) Bog plants
(b) Anchored to sub-soil plants (c) Free floating plants. (d) Submersed plants.

Bog plants are those which grow in soil but need stagnant water near their roots all the time. Example: Acorus calamus (वेखंड), Cyperus alternifolius (Umbrella palm) and Typha angusta (रामबाण).

Acorus calamus

Acorus calamus variegated

Cypers alternifolius

Cyperus prolifer

Limnocharis flava

Sagittaria montevidensis

Sagittaria sagittifolia

Anchored to sub-soil plants are those of which roots are submersed in water but leaves/flowers grow on surface of water or outside water. Examples: Water lily, Lotus.

Nymphaea species

Free floating plants remain floating in water and can float away along with flowing water. Examples: Pistia stratiotes (Water cabbage), Lemna minor (Duck weed), Salvinia auriculata (Water ferns), Ludwigia sidioides (Water mosaic) and Azolla pinnata.

Water cabbage

Duck weed

Water mosaic

Submersed plants are those which grow entirely underwater. They are also called as aerating or oxygenating plants; because they replenish oxygen contents of water. Such plants are used in fish tanks. Examples: Vallisneria spiralis and Cabomba. 

Cabomba

Vallisneria spiralis

Hydrilla verticillata