. Bulletin. Natural history; Natural history. Moran: Aquatic Macrophytes 399 Another group of plants are the floating-leaf plants (ephydates) that grow rooted in the sediments but have at least some leaves floating on the water surface with one leaf surface exposed to the atmosphere. These plants are somewhat sensitive to current and wave action and are usually found in protected areas. Only two plants of this group have been described in Lake Sangchris, Bacopa rotundifolia (Michx.) Wettst. (water hyssop) and Potamogeton nodosus. In the ephydates it has been noted that those plants wi
. Bulletin. Natural history; Natural history. Moran: Aquatic Macrophytes 399 Another group of plants are the floating-leaf plants (ephydates) that grow rooted in the sediments but have at least some leaves floating on the water surface with one leaf surface exposed to the atmosphere. These plants are somewhat sensitive to current and wave action and are usually found in protected areas. Only two plants of this group have been described in Lake Sangchris, Bacopa rotundifolia (Michx.) Wettst. (water hyssop) and Potamogeton nodosus. In the ephydates it has been noted that those plants with smaller ovate or lanceolate floating leaves are commonly found in areas of more surface disturbance than are plants with larger rounded leaves (Hutchinson 1975). The vulnerability of Lake Sangchris to wind-generated waves may be a factor in limiting the colonization of plants of this group. The emergent plants (hyperhydates) are rooted in the sediments but have a substantial portion of the vegetation above the water surface. Three such species were recorded in 1971 and six species in 1973, and that number has remained stable to date. All share a common requirement of shelter from wind and wave action and usually occur in bays. Four of these, Lophotocarpus (Sagittaria) calycinus (Engelm.) J. G. Sm. (arrowhead), Nelumbo lutea, Sagittaria latifolia, and Typha latifolia (cattail), make up a major portion of the aquatic vegetation in Lake Sangchris and provide valuable food and habitat for wildlife. The wet-soil plants, the most diverse group in Lake Sangchris. are those plants inhabiting the mud banks and beach areas. In 1974, only two species were reported. By 1976, 12 taxa were present (Table 1). This group of plants seemed to benefit from low water levels that increased the available habitat and decreased the stress of wave action. Once established, most such plants can tolerate shallow inundation. Wet-soil plants often have rhizomatous growth habits and may prove valuable in
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