helophytes

Helophytes are a type of plant that grows in waterlogged soils, such as marshes, swamps, and shallow lakes. The term "helophyte" comes from the Greek words "helos" meaning marsh and "phyton" meaning plant. These plants are adapted to survive in environments with low oxygen levels in the soil, often due to prolonged flooding.

A key characteristic of helophytes is their ability to tolerate or even thrive in anoxic conditions. They typically possess specialized structures to manage this. Many helophytes have aerenchyma, which are tissues with large air spaces that facilitate the transport of oxygen from the aerial parts of the plant down to the submerged roots. This allows them to respire even in waterlogged soil.

Helophytes are important components of wetland ecosystems. They contribute to primary production, provide habitat and food for a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic animals, and play a role in nutrient cycling and water purification. Examples of common helophytes include reeds, cattails, and many species of sedges and rushes. Their distribution is often linked to the hydrological regime of their habitat, with different species adapted to varying degrees of inundation and soil conditions.