Eichhornia crassipes is

Options

A. mesophyte
B. xerophyte
C. myrmecophily
D. anemophily

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Scientific Name**: The question refers to "Eichhornia crassipes," which is the scientific name of a plant.

2. **Common Name**: Eichhornia crassipes is commonly known as "water hyacinth."

3. **Habitat**: Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant that thrives in freshwater environments. It is classified as a hydrophyte, meaning it is adapted to living in water.

4. **Ecological Impact**: Water hyacinth is often referred to as an "aquatic weed" because it can proliferate rapidly, leading to negative ecological effects. It consumes a significant amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which can result in the death of other aquatic organisms.

5. **Classification**: It is important to note that water hyacinth is not a mesophyte (plants that thrive in moderate moisture) or a xerophyte (plants adapted to dry environments). Instead, it is specifically adapted to aquatic conditions.

6. **Pollination Mechanism**: Water hyacinth can be pollinated through different mechanisms. One such mechanism is anemophily, which is pollination by wind. This means that the wind can carry pollen from one plant to another, facilitating reproduction.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, Eichhornia crassipes is a free-floating aquatic plant known as water hyacinth, which has significant ecological implications and utilizes wind for pollination.