What defines free-floating plants?

The defining characteristic of free-floating plants is that they float on the surface of the water and are not anchored to the sediments below. This allows them to move freely with water currents and can facilitate their spread throughout a water body. This characteristic distinguishes them from rooted aquatic plants, which are anchored to the substrate and typically grow vertically, with portions extending above the water's surface. Free-floating plants, such as ducksweed and water hyacinth, rely on the water for buoyancy and nutrient absorption, obtaining nutrients directly from the water rather than the soil. This adaptation can be particularly advantageous in certain aquatic ecosystems, allowing for rapid growth and colonization of available space.