How does Hydrilla primarily reproduce?

Hydrilla primarily reproduces through rhizomes, stolons, and fragments, which makes it highly invasive and difficult to control in aquatic environments. Rhizomes are underground stems that can generate new plants, while stolons are aboveground stems that grow along the water's surface, rooting at the nodes and forming new plants. Additionally, fragments arise from the breakage of stems and leaves, which can disperse and establish new growth when they find suitable conditions. This formidable ability to reproduce vegetatively allows Hydrilla to spread rapidly and dominate aquatic ecosystems.

While Hydrilla does have the capacity to reproduce by seeds and tubers, these methods are not its primary means of reproduction. Furthermore, relying solely on flowers for reproduction limits its ability to spread quickly, as flowering is not a constant process and may depend on environmental conditions. The vegetative reproduction method ensures that Hydrilla can maintain its population and expand effectively even in varying environmental situations.