| Aspect | Hydrophytes | Mesophytes | Xerophytes |
| Habitat | Aquatic environments (water-loving) | Moderate moisture levels | Arid or dry environments |
| Water availability | Abundant water | Adequate water | Limited water |
| Adaptations for water regulation | Well-developed air spaces in tissues | Normal air spaces in tissues | Reduced air spaces in tissues |
| Leaf structure | Thin and delicate leaves | Typical leaves | Thick and reduced leaves |
| Stomata | Often on the upper leaf surface | On both leaf surfaces | Mainly on the lower leaf surface |
| Root system | Shallow and fibrous roots | Well-developed root system | Deep and extensive root system |
| Transpiration rate | Low | Moderate | High |
| Specialized structures | Floating leaves Aerenchyma tissue | No specialized structures | Succulent stems Reduced leaves |
| Nutrient acquisition | Absorb nutrients directly from water | Rely on soil for nutrients | Adaptations to minimize water loss |
| Tolerance to drought | Very low | Moderate | High |
| Examples | · Water lilies · Water hyacinth | · Most common land plants | · Cacti · Desert plants |
Comparison between Hydrophytes, Mesophytes and Xerophytes
Let me share with you a comparison between Hydrophytes, Mesophytes and Xerophytes.