Question

Water hyacinth floats on the water surface. Explain

Answer 1

Pontederia crassipes, also known as common water hyacinth, is a species of aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin that is frequently a highly problematic invasive species outside its native range. Pontederia subg. Oshunae is the only species.

Complete answer:
Water hyacinth is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant (or hydrophyte) native to South America's tropical and subtropical regions. Water hyacinth can reach a height of 1 meter (3 feet) above the water's surface thanks to its broad, thick, glossy, ovate leaves.

Water hyacinth has medicinal properties:
- It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. In the Philippines, a mixture of lemon juice and hyacinth juice is used to treat abscesses.
- For better digestion.
- Controls cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Treats cholera and Treats eczema.
- Skin becomes healthier as a result.
- Excellent hair fragrance.
- It soothes a sore throat.

The parenchyma tissue of the water hyacinth contains numerous air cavities. As a result, it floats in water. Aerenchyma refers to the specialized parenchyma tissue found in water hyacinth. This tissue contains air-filled spaces, and the air becomes trapped inside, particularly in the stem part.

Note: Water hyacinth is considered an invasive species in North America. If not controlled, it will rapidly and thoroughly cover entire surfaces of lakes and ponds, significantly affecting water flow, blocking sunlight to native submerged plants, and depriving the water of oxygen, often killing wildlife such as fish.