Question

Which of the following genera belong to marginal plants and suitable for planting in water gardens?
(A) Azolla caroliniana
(B) Acorus calamus
(C) Cyperus alternifolius
(D) Elodea canadensis
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• (A) and (C) only.
• (A) and (D) only.
• (B) and (C) only.
• (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Water garden plant types:
Marginal: Roots in shallow water/wet soil, foliage above (e.g., Acorus, Cyperus at edges).
Floating: Float on surface (e.g., Azolla, water hyacinth).
Submerged: Grow mostly underwater (e.g., Elodea, hornwort). Acorus calamus and Cyperus alternifolius fit the marginal category.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Azolla floats freely on the surface, so it is not marginal.
Step 2: Elodea grows fully submerged, so it is not marginal either.
Step 3: Acorus calamus and Cyperus alternifolius root at the water's edge with foliage above water, the marginal-plant trait.
Step 4: Correct answer: (B) and (C) only.