Water hyacinth floats on water because of the presence of large air cavities in parenchyma tissues.

Water Hyacinth Floating on Water's Surface

Water hyacinth is a free-floating aquatic plant known for its ability to float on the surface of water bodies. This characteristic of water hyacinth is due to several factors, which can be explained as follows:

1. Buoyant Roots:
Water hyacinth has specialized buoyant roots that help it stay afloat on the water's surface. These roots contain air spaces that provide the necessary buoyancy to keep the plant suspended in the water.

2. Air-filled Petioles:
The petioles (stalks) of water hyacinth are also filled with air, which further contributes to its ability to float. This air-filled structure helps the plant maintain its position on the water's surface.

3. High Air Content:
The leaves of water hyacinth have a high air content, which adds to its buoyancy. This air-filled structure allows the plant to remain on the water's surface without sinking.

4. Adaptation to Aquatic Environment:
Water hyacinth has evolved to thrive in aquatic environments, and its floating ability is an adaptation to this habitat. By floating on the water's surface, water hyacinth can access sunlight and nutrients more effectively.

5. Rapid Growth and Reproduction:
Water hyacinth is known for its fast growth and reproduction rate, which allows it to form dense mats on the water's surface. These dense mats further enhance its floating ability by creating a barrier that prevents the plant from sinking.

In conclusion, water hyacinth's ability to float on the water's surface is a result of its specialized buoyant roots, air-filled petioles, high air content in leaves, adaptation to aquatic environments, and rapid growth and reproduction. These factors work together to enable water hyacinth to thrive and spread in various water bodies.