Enumerate the morphological adaptations of hydrophytes.

Explanation

1) Cuticle is totally absent in the submerged parts of the plants. It may be present in the form of a thin film on the surface of parts exposed to atmosphere.
2) The epidermis is composed of thin walled cells. They perform absorption and assimilation as all cells contain chloroplasts.
3) Stomata are totally absent in submerged hydrophytes as the gaseous exchange takes place by diffusion.
4) In Nymphaea, Nelumbium, the leaves are epistomatous.
5) Al Hydrophytes contain aerenchyma that helps in gaseous exchange and buoyancy.
6) Mechanical tissues like Collenchyma and Sclerenchyma are poorly developed.
7) Xylem is poorly developed.
8) Secondary growth is absent.