How do floating male and female flowers transfer pollen in some Hydrocharitaceae species?
In many Hydrocharitaceae species, pollen transfer between floating flowers is facilitated by the water's surface tension and wind.12
Typically, staminate (male) flowers develop underwater on short stalks, while carpellate (female) flowers float on the surface, held by elongated peduncles. The weight of the female flower creates a slight depression in the water, known as a meniscus.12
When the pollen matures, the staminate flower detaches and rises to the surface, where it opens and uses its reflexed petals as a "boat" to be blown across the water by the wind. Upon reaching the meniscus of a female flower, the male flower tips due to the change in water level. This movement allows for pollination through direct contact between the anther and stigma or by pollen falling from the male flower onto the female flower.12