Hydrophytes

water plants that are fixed in the soil, with only their lower parts submerged. Hydrophytes grow along the shores of rivers, lakes, ponds, and seas, as well as in swamps and swampy meadows (so-called helophytes). Some hydrophytes grow in wet fields as weeds (for example, water plantains and reeds). The hydrophyte root system is well developed. It conducts water and the nutrients dissolved in it and gives the plant support in the soil. Unlike hydatophytes, hydrophytes have well-developed mechanical tissues and vessels to conduct water. They have many intercellular spaces and air cavities, which supply air to the lower parts of the plant, since there is less oxygen in the water than in the air. Rice is a cultivated hydrophyte. Many of the hydrophytes that overgrow swampy areas often form peat. Some hydrophytes—especially the monocotyledons—are used as cattle fodder.