hydrophyte

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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.

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