Water hyacinth float on water surface. Explain.
Water hyacinth floats on the surface of water due to the following reasons:
1. Water hyacinth possesses a unique type of parenchyma tissue known as aerenchyma. Aerenchyma is a spongy tissue that contains air spaces or channels, which trap air, particularly in the stem of the hyacinth.
2. Aerenchyma not only aids in buoyancy but also facilitates respiration in aquatic plants. Aerenchyma cells extend from the shoots to the roots, promoting the diffusion of air and maintaining adequate oxygen levels for respiration throughout the plant.