adaptations in hdrophytic plants

• hydrophytes are plants like water lilies, live in aquatic habitats. As they grow in water they don't need adaptations to reduce water loss but need adaptations to cope with low water level
• • air spaces in the tissues help the plants to float and can act as a store of oxygen for use in respiration
  • e.g. water lilies have large air spaces in their leaves. This allows leaves to float on the surface of the water, increasing the amount of light they receive.
  • air spaces in the roots and stems allow oxygen to move from the floating leaves down to parts of plant under water
• • stomata are usually only present on the upper surface of floating leaves which helps to maximise gas exchange
• • hydrophytes often have flexible leaves and stems - these plants are supported by the water around them so don't need rigid stems for support
  • flexibility helps to prevent damage by water currents
• hdrophytic plants