What is a common feature of duckweed and watermeal regarding their roots?

Duckweed and watermeal are both types of floating aquatic plants that belong to the family Lemnaceae. A common feature of these plants is that they never root into the soil. Instead, they float on the surface of the water, absorbing nutrients directly from the water around them rather than anchoring themselves to the substrate below.

This adaptation allows them to thrive in a variety of freshwater environments without the need for traditional rooting systems. The absence of anchoring roots also contributes to their rapid growth and proliferation, as they can easily spread across the surface of the water, taking advantage of available sunlight and nutrients. By floating rather than rooting, they can quickly adapt to changing conditions and maximize their habitat.

This characteristic distinguishes them from other aquatic plants that may have more complex root systems designed for stability and nutrient uptake from the soil.