Title：
Distinct adaptive strategies of three floating-leaved species in nymphoides across water depth variations: evidence from morphology, hydraulics and photosynthesis
Floating-leaved plants in the shallow littoral zone of wetland ecosystems are a unique life-form group whose responses to environmental change are likely to follow distinctive patterns. This study explored the adaptive strategies of three floating-leaved Nymphoides species-N. peltata, N. hydrophylla, and N. indica-in wetland habitats under varying water depths (0.4 m, 0.8 m, and 1.2 m). We analyzed morphological, hydraulic, and photosynthetic traits to understand how these wetland plants respond to hydrological fluctuations. Although water depth had limited effects on most traits, significant interspecific differences were found. N. indica displayed larger leaf area, thicker petioles, and greater total stomatal area, suggesting enhanced hydraulic capacity. In contrast, N. peltata and N. hydrophylla exhibited higher photosynthetic efficiency through increased chlorophyll content and specific leaf area (SLA). Plant trait network (PTN) analysis indicated tighter trait integration in N. indica, while N. peltata and N. hydrophylla showed higher modularity, implying more flexible adaptation strategies in wetland environments. We also found significant correlations between hydraulic and photosynthetic traits across three Nymphoides species, indicating a consistent functional trait coordination under the distinct trait values. These findings offer important theoretical insights into the adaptive mechanisms of floating-leaved plants in aquatic environments.
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