ANATOMICAL STUDIES OF SOME HYDROPHYTES COLLECTED FROM DISTRICT BHIMBER, AZAD JAMMU KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Hydrophytes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in aquatic ecosystems. They are bioindicators for water quality, pollution and eutrophication, ultimately assisting habitat restoration. The unique anatomical features of hydrophytes are essential for their survival in waterlogged or submerged environments. Studying these traits reveal how plants evolve to overcome challenges like, low oxygen availability, nutrient absorption and reduced mechanical support.  The present study was carried out for the anatomical study of hydrophytes collected from district Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Total three species, Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms and Nymphaea alba L. were collected and preserved in the fixative solutions and subjected to anatomical characterization using a light microscope. In the T.S. of the stem of Nymphaea alba L., trichomes were observed (L=4.50±0.7, W=2.11±0.48) profusely surrounding the layer of epidermis. Larger aerenchyma was observed (L=121.50±47.34, W=92.76±32.26). In the T.S of Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, larger aerenchyma cells were also observed (L=41.84±8.86, W=29.49±2.1). In the T.S of Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms aerenchyma was larger among other cells (L=40.50±1.00, W=28.25±1.48). Trichomes were also examined (L=3.46±1.06, W=1.73±0.20). Larger aerenchyma and multicellular trichomes were observed, indicating that these species are better adapted to the influx of excessive water in their aquatic habitats. Overall, the research is correlating the anatomical characterization of the hydrophytes with their environmental and climatic factors helping to understand the mechanism of ecological adaptations to their aquatic environment.