Kelps are seaweeds that grow in nutrient-rich, shallow ocean belts. They belong to the algae family and need a temperature range of 6ยฐC to 14ยฐC to grow. Kelps proliferate at a tremendous rate and serve as shelter for a large number of organisms. Unfortunately, they've become endangered as the number is dwindling as a result of overfishing, water pollution and other environmental changes.
This flowering plant is generally called seagrass. Posidonia are mainly found in Mediterranean and Australian marine waters. There are approximately nine varieties that grow in clean and non-polluted waters. From posidonia, we get natural phenols, phennylmethanne derivatives, chalkones, flavonols, 5-alpha-cholestanes and so on.
These plants are rootless and free-floating. While they may be tiny and delicate, they actually trap species, in the same way that the Venus flytrap traps its prey.
Hyacinth's bright violet or brilliant blue color makes them sought after. But it's not just on land where they thrive, they spread under the water easily too. Hyacinths can be used for biomass, medicinal purposes, treating wastewater, making furniture, ropes and in some parts of the world, they are even consumed.
This aquatic plant is found both in water and marshy areas. Most of these plants are used for ornamental purposes and aquariums. The plant thrives most when it is submerged in the water as it can only tolerate a limited amount of sunlight. The plant is named after the Egyptian goddess of the afterlife, because the plant often grows in the dark and shady regions. It is primarily found in parts of West Africa.
Otherwise known as water fringes, the leaves on these aquatic plants are similar to those found on water lilies. The flowers are yellow and white and usually bear lateral wings or small hairs. The Yellow Floating Heart is a native of Europe, but it has also been introduced into the USA.
This water plant is mostly used as ornamental and oxygenating plant in aquariums. The most popular species are the Green Cabomba and Red Cabomba.
This species is cultivated in ponds and has been introduced in many parts of the world. It is also cultivated on a large scale for its edible buds and flowers. In South African cuisine, the Waterblommetjiebredie (though hard to pronounce) is a much-loved dish that uses these edible flowers as its main ingredient.
These aquatic plants float in the water and bear edible fruit. In India, they are called singhara and are eaten raw or boiled. In earlier times, during the Chinese Zou dynasty, water caltrops had been used as an offering fruit during worship. However, in the state of New South Wales, Australia, they are considered to be a noxious weed.
