Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Aquatic plants are classified into four main groups based on their growth habit in water gardens:
Floating plants: Float freely on the water surface (e.g., Azolla, Pistia).
Submerged plants: Grow entirely underwater (e.g., Hydrilla, Elodea).
Deep-water plants: Rooted in bottom soil with leaves floating on the surface (e.g., Nymphaea).
Marginal plants: Rooted in shallow water or wet soil along the pond margins (e.g., Acorus, Cyperus).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag): A marginal plant that thrives in wet soils and shallow water depths of 5-10 cm along pond edges.
- Cyperus alternifolius (Umbrella Palm): A hardy marginal plant with radiating leaves that is grown in shallow water zones.
- Azolla caroliniana: A free-floating aquatic fern.
- Elodea canadensis: An oxygenating submerged water plant.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The marginal plants are Acorus calamus and Cyperus alternifolius.