What distinct characteristic does Watermeal possess compared to other aquatic plants?

Watermeal stands out among aquatic plants primarily due to its lack of roots. This unique characteristic allows Watermeal to float freely on the surface of water bodies. Unlike many other aquatic plants, which anchor themselves to the substrate with roots, Watermeal is part of a group of floating aquatic plants known as duckweeds. Instead of roots, it absorbs nutrients directly from the water, which is an adaptation that supports its lifestyle in the aquatic environment.

The absence of roots enables Watermeal to rapidly cover the surface of ponds and lakes, which can lead to issues such as reduced light penetration and oxygen depletion for aquatic life below. This characteristic makes it important to manage Watermeal in various aquatic ecosystems to maintain ecological balance.