The aquatic plants of Isla can be grouped in six different life forms. The mosses and liverworts are the most abundant. Charophytes (macroalgae of the genera Chara and Nitella) are also found in great numbers. Charophytes provide refuge for juvenile fish, they help condition the water and are vary attractive with their distinctive growth forms (image). The most interesting and diverse group of water plants are those that form turfs. Isla has a wide diversity of turf species with different leaf shapes and growth habits. Spread is usually by rhizomes and given good light conditions they can form a vigorous compact carpet across the bottom.
Isla has many
water lilies including the free-floating kind. A wide variety
of small to large emergent species are found around the margin
of water bodies. Other plants that belong to this life form include
species of Ruppia, Zannichellia, and Lepilaena. These genera are
found around the planet, but all have fine hair-like leaves. Isoetes
are the plants that many small creatures hide behind.
Other Water Plants
Page by Mark Mandich for Dr Viau's World Builders