What does it mean if a plant is described as emersed?

When a plant is described as emersed, it refers to a specific growth form where the plant extends above the water surface but is still rooted below in the substrate. This adaptation allows the plant to access atmospheric carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, which can be beneficial in aquatic environments where submerged plants might be limited by reduced gas exchange. Emersed plants can thrive in various habitats, including marshes and the edges of ponds or lakes, highlighting their versatility in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

The other options describe different growth forms that do not align with the definition of emersed. For instance, fully submerged plants don’t have parts above the water, while floating plants do not have rooted systems in the substrate. Plants growing in wet, marshy conditions can be emersed, but that term specifically refers to their presence above the water surface.