Common reed (Phragmites australis)

Roots grow in the mud, with the entire plant submerged in water, possessing well-developed aerenchyma for gas exchange. Leaves are typically narrow and elongated or filamentous, capable of absorbing nutrients from the water and thriving under weak underwater light conditions. Specific water quality requirements must be met, as turbidity can hinder photosynthesis. Flowers are small with a short blooming period, primarily valued for their foliage. Submerged plants absorb nutrients from the water, including nitrogen and phosphorus, during growth. For eutrophic lakes and wetlands, planned annual harvesting of submerged plants can effectively transfer excessive nutrients, positively impacting the mitigation of eutrophication. Submerged plants play a crucial role in maintaining the clear water stability of lakes; with their disappearance, lakes can transition from clear to turbid water, known as a state shift. An important task in lake ecological restoration is to transform lakes from turbid back to clear water states through the recovery of submerged plants. Generally, submerged plants with low intrinsic stability can serve as pioneer species for water ecological restoration.