hydrophyte Any plant that lives either in very wet soil or completely or partially submerged in water. Structural modifications of hydrophytes include the reduction of mechanical and supporting tissues and vascular tissue, the absence or reduction of a root system, and specialized leaves that may be either floating or finely divided, with little or no cuticle. Examples of hydrophytes are waterlilies and certain pondweeds. Compare halophyte; mesophyte; xerophyte.

hydrophyte A plant that is adapted morphologically and/or physiologically to grow in water or very wet environments. Adaptations include the development of finely divided submerged leaves, large floating leaves, the presence of aerenchyma, and the reduction of root systems. The perennating bud lies at the bottom of fairly open water. With the leaves submerged or floating, only the inflorescence protrudes above the water surface (e.g. Nuphar lutea, yellow water-lily). Compare HELOPHYTE.

hydrophyte A plant that is adapted morphologically and/or physiologically to grow in water or very wet environments. Adaptations include the development of finely divided submerged leaves, large floating leaves, the presence of aerenchyma, and the reduction of root systems. The perennating bud lies at the bottom of fairly open water. With the leaves submerged or floating, only the inflorescence protrudes above the water surface (e.g. Nuphar lutea, yellow water-lily). Compare helophyte.

hydrophyte (aquatic plant) Plant that grows only in water or in damp places. Examples include the water lily, water hyacinth, duckweed, and various pondweeds.