CONSIDERATIONS UPON THE MORPHOANATOMICAL FEATURES OF DECORATIVE AQUATIC PLANTS Hydrocharis laevigata AND Lagenandra meeboldii

Abstract

Two aquatic plant species were subjected to this study: Hydrocharis laevigata synonym Limnobium laevigatum (Alismatales: Hydrocharitaceae) and Lagenandra meeboldii (Alismatales: Araceae). The paper presents first insight into the microscopic aspects of cross-sections made through root, petiole and leaves of in-vitro plant L. laevigatum and Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Red’ form, biological material purchased from the Romanian market of ornamental aquarium plants. Considering the invasive potential of South American spongeplant, already well documented for other European countries, this short survey draws attention to the danger represented by releasing decorative aquatic plants from aquarium as a factor involved in a possible future spreading of this species into natural environments.