No, water hyacinth is not an underwater plant.
According to the provided reference, Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is described as a perennial, free-floating aquatic plant. This means it lives on the surface of the water, rather than being submerged beneath it.
Understanding Water Hyacinth's Location
- Free-Floating: Unlike some aquatic plants that root in the sediment below the water or grow entirely underwater, water hyacinth floats freely on the water's surface. Its roots hang down into the water column, but the main body of the plant, including its leaves and flowers, is above the water.
- Surface Growth: The reference notes that these plants rapidly increase biomass and form dense mats. This formation of thick mats occurs on the water's surface, a characteristic behavior of a free-floating plant.
- Reproduction: Water hyacinth reproduces rapidly, often using stolons (vegetative runners) which allow it to spread across the water surface, further contributing to the formation of extensive floating mats.
This invasive plant, native to tropical South America, is now found on all continents except Antarctica due to its ability to thrive and spread quickly while floating on water bodies.
