Which type of aquatic plants primarily grow underwater?

Submersed plants are those aquatic plants that grow completely underwater, making them a critical component of many aquatic ecosystems. These plants are typically rooted in the substrate at the bottom of a body of water and have their leaves and stems fully submerged. They play a significant role in the ecosystem by providing habitat for aquatic life, contributing to oxygen production through photosynthesis, and helping to stabilize sediment in the water column.

Emergent plants grow partially above water, often found at the edges of ponds and lakes, where they can extend their stems and leaves above the surface. Floating plants live on the water's surface, either free-floating or attached to the substrate by roots. Riparian plants refer to those that grow along the banks of rivers and streams, benefiting from moist soil but not primarily existing underwater.

Understanding the distinctions between these types of aquatic plants is essential for effective management and control of aquatic ecosystems, particularly in relation to pest control practices relevant to specific plant types.