The Treatment of Wetland Plants

Plant Types

• In such a biodiverse area as a wetland, there are numerous plant species, the main categories being dry land, marsh, swamp, rooted-floating, free-floating and submerged plants. These zones are collectively called a hydrosere. All wetlands follow the same basic pattern in graduating from dry land to open water. Plants that can be found typically in the hydrosere include rhododendron (dry land), iris (wet ground but not submerged) and pondweed (subaquatic in open water).

Marsh and Swamp Plants

• These plants are found close to the water in wetlands or have their lower parts submerged. Marsh and swamp plants have large air spaces within their structure because the soil they grow in is short of oxygen. The former tend to have large leaves, while the latter typically are tall with narrow leaves to adapt to fluctuating water levels. They must be grown in damp, soggy conditions -- but neither submerged nor allowed to dry out.

Floating Plants

• The two main types of floating plants are those that have roots in the sediment, such as water lilies, and those that are free-floating, such as duckweed. Floating plants have a waxy film on the upper surface of the leaves, by which they breathe through pores, and which helps to protect them and which must be kept clean. The upper surface also contains chloroplasts that aid photosynthesis, and the internal structure has air-filled cavities to assist flotation.

Submerged Plants

• Plants that grow totally submerged are known as hydrophytes. They are fully supported by the water they live in, and so have little or no cuticle formation or strengthening in their structure. Their roots serve only to anchor them in place, as cells on the surface of the leaves provide the method by which they absorb the nutrients and water necessary for them to thrive. They must be kept submerged to remain healthy.

Wetlands Preservation

• Many wetland plants are delicate, but there are ways to help them thrive. Fencing off wetland or pond areas can help to keep out animals that otherwise can damage plants by foraging or trampling. It is also important to control weeds so they don't harm preferred plants. In addition, it is vital to maintain the flow of natural water sources and hydrology to ensure wetland areas do not dry out.