A hydrophyte with spongy swollen petioles, spongy stem and balancing roots with root pockets is

Options

A. Pistia
B. Eichhornia
C. Trapa
D. Hydrilla

Answer

To solve the question regarding the hydrophyte with spongy swollen petioles, spongy stem, and balancing roots with root pockets, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Definition of a Hydrophyte**:
- A hydrophyte is a plant that grows in water or in very moist environments. These plants have adapted to living in aquatic conditions.

**Hint**: Remember that hydrophytes are specially adapted to survive in water.

2. **Analyze the Characteristics Provided**:
- The question specifies a hydrophyte with:
- Spongy swollen petioles
- Spongy stem
- Balancing roots with root pockets

**Hint**: Focus on the specific adaptations mentioned, as they will help narrow down the options.

3. **Evaluate the Given Options**:
- **Option A: Pistia** (Water Lettuce)
- Known for its rosette of leaves and spongy petioles, but does not have balancing roots with root pockets.
- **Option B: Echinodorus** (commonly referred to as Echinodorus or Water Plantain)
- Known for its spongy petioles and stems, and has adaptations for floating, including root structures.
- **Option C: Trappa** (Water Caltrop)
- Has a different structure and does not match the description of spongy petioles and balancing roots.
- **Option D: Hydrilla**
- A common aquatic plant, but does not have the specific adaptations mentioned.

**Hint**: Compare the characteristics of each option with the description provided in the question.

4. **Identify the Correct Answer**:
- Based on the analysis, **Option B: Echinodorus** fits the description of having spongy swollen petioles, spongy stem, and balancing roots with root pockets.

**Hint**: The correct option will be the one that matches all the characteristics outlined in the question.

### Final Answer:
The hydrophyte with spongy swollen petioles, spongy stem, and balancing roots with root pockets is **Echinodorus**.