Did you know that some plants can actually grow on water?
Pond life
Copyright John Kennedy
Copyright John Kennedy
River and pond plants are very different from those you might find in the garden. The roots of water plants do not have the same purpose as the roots of land plants. Roots of land plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil. However, the roots of water plants are really only to help anchor the plant and stop it from being swept away in the river’s current!
River habitat
Courtesy of the EPA
River habitat
Courtesy of the EPA
Courtesy of the EPA
River habitat
Courtesy of the EPA
What are river and pond conditions?
1. Rivers have fast-moving currents of water
2. No solid ground
3. Very little natural minerals
4. Waterlogged
How do plants adapt to growing in rivers and ponds?
| Flexible stems | Flexible stems allow plants that grow in water to move with the water currents. |
| Strong roots | Some water plants have strong roots to help anchor them in the river bed. This stops them being swept away by the water currents. |
| Air pockets | Many river and pond plants have developed small spaces in their stems and leaves to help them keep afloat. |
| Absorb nutrients from the water | Many water plants have developed leaves that are able to absorb nutrients directly from the water. |
| Floating leaves | Leaves that float on the surface of the water can absorb lots of sunlight. This helps the plant to make food. |
| Floating seeds | Some plants can produce seeds that are able to float. The river then helps to disperse them on its way to the sea. |
| Trapping insects | Natural minerals are difficult to find in rivers and ponds, so some plants have adapted to catch and absorb tiny insects for nutrition. |