Question

Write a short note on water pollinated plants.

Hint:

Recall named examples of surface vs. underwater hydrophily.

Answer 1

Step 1: Concept:
In hydrophily (water pollination), water acts as the pollinating agent, transporting pollen grains from the anther to the stigma; this mode is rare, seen in fewer than 1% of angiosperm species.

Step 2: Examples and Adaptations:
In Vallisneria and Hydrilla, pollen grains are released onto the water surface and carried passively to reach the stigma; in fully submerged marine forms such as Zostera, pollen grains are long, filiform, and released directly underwater, often protected by a mucilaginous covering to prevent damage from wetting.