Yes, most floating aquatic plants do have stomata, but with a key difference: they're typically located on the upper surface of their leaves, unlike terrestrial plants. This adaptation is crucial for their survival.
Stomata Location and Function in Floating Plants
Floating plants, unlike land plants, have their leaves exposed to the atmosphere on their upper surface. Therefore, their stomata are found on this upper surface, where they can readily take in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and release oxygen. A significant feature of these stomata is that they are often permanently open. [Reference: "Most floating aquatic plants have stomata on their upper leaf surfaces, and usually their stomata are permanently open." (18-Jul-2017)]
This permanent openness is a clever adaptation. Because the leaves float on the water's surface, they don't risk significant water loss through open stomata like land plants might. The water surrounding the lower leaf surface minimizes the danger of desiccation (drying out).
Examples of Floating Plants with Stomata
Many common floating aquatic plants exhibit this characteristic. While a comprehensive list is beyond this scope, consider plants like:
- Water lilies: These iconic plants showcase the upper-surface stomata clearly.
- Duckweed: Though small, duckweed displays a similar adaptation.
- Various pondweeds: Many species adapted for floating exhibit this characteristic.
The specific arrangement and density of stomata can vary depending on the plant species and environmental conditions.
