Adaptive Responses of a Floating-Leaved Macrophyte, Nymphoides peltata, to a Terrestrial Habitat

ABSTRACT

Nymphoides peltata grown in a terrestrial habitat was approximately 59% higher in soluble sugar content, 27% higher in chlorophyll content and 9% and 6% lower in water content of root and stem. respectively. than those grown in an aquatic habitat. δ¹³C analyses suggested that N. peltata grown in the terrestrial habitat had higher water use efficiency than N. peltata grown in the aquatic habitat. These results indicate that N. peltata is well-adapted to the terrestrial habitat and suggest that this plant could develop multiple physiological strategies to enhance survival in dynamic and unpredictable environments.