Which type of aquatic plant grows completely submerged in water?

Submersed plants are specifically adapted to live entirely underwater. These plants typically have elongated stems and leaves that can grow in a variety of aquatic environments, from lakes to rivers and ponds. They play a critical role in aquatic ecosystems by providing habitats for fish and invertebrates, stabilizing sediments, and producing oxygen through photosynthesis.

In contrast, floating leaf plants are characterized by their leaves that float on the surface of the water while their roots are submerged. Emersed plants grow partly in the water and partly above it, often emerging from the water's surface with parts of the plant exposed to the air. The distinction is important in understanding the various adaptations plants have developed to thrive in aquatic environments.