Which of the following statements is true about Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)?

The correct answer is that Hydrilla verticillata has five leaves in each cluster. This detail is significant for identification purposes, as the specific arrangement and number of leaves can help distinguish Hydrilla from other aquatic plants. Hydrilla typically has whorls of five or more leaves arranged around a stem, which is distinctive and can be a key characteristic when assessing aquatic flora.

Hydrilla is not a native aquatic plant; it is actually an invasive species that originated from parts of Asia and Africa. While it can initially provide some habitat structure, its rapid growth and ability to dominate aquatic ecosystems often result in a decrease in biodiversity rather than enhancing it. Additionally, the introduction of Hydrilla poses significant threats to local waterways, including disrupting recreational activities, blocking sunlight from reaching native plants, and altering nutrient cycles within aquatic systems.