hydrophily

Hydrophily is a type of pollination where water is the agent of pollen dispersal. This is a rare method, as water often harms pollen grains. True hydrophily, where pollen is wetted by water, is observed only in hornworts and eelgrasses.1

In contrast, most aquatic plants have evolved complex strategies to avoid direct water contact with pollen. For instance, some release pollen onto the water's surface, which is still water-repellent. Others, like ribbon weed, send flowers to the surface during the dry season, relying on wind or self-pollination. Water pollination is considered a highly complex and derived form of reproduction, occurring in only a few aquatic plants.12