The
Lily pad is the floating leaf of a
water lily (
Liliales pontederiaceae), a common
aquatic plant found in
temperate and
tropical climates. Due to its
rapid growth and lack of
natural predators, the lily has turned into a troublesome
weed. However, it can help maintain proper
oxygen levels in
wetlands. The lily is also related to the
onion,
asparagus, and
yam.
The lily pad floats on
top of the water but its roots are anchored to the muddy bottom of the pond. The lily
pad's roots anchor the flowering plant and also absorb water and minerals from the soil
for photosynthesis. When water reaches the leaves of the lily pad, it can begin the
food-making process. Leaves of the water lily have a tough waxy surface to keep them
from becoming waterlogged. As a young plant, the water lily's leaves are rolled up
underwater. In the springtime, the leaves uncurl to form pads
.