In addition to irrigation, fish farming, and tourism, the ponds are the most important wet lands in Taoyuan Hsien. A number of aquatic plants are nourished in the ponds, and can be divided into floating, water-resistant, and water-soaked:
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Floating: water hyacinth and pond lily. |
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Water-resistant: cattail |
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Water-soaked |
A number of aquatic
plants are rare species. Professor Chin-shia Chen
found spatterdock, in the ponds of Taoyuan Hsien
in 1986 and 1987. Spatterdock are classified as
endangered aquatic plants. As we know, these plants
grow in the water only.
Whenever the environment is damaged and the water changes, the aquatic plants are endangered. As the number of ponds is decreasing and most ponds are used for factories, residences, and roads, the aquatic plants have less space than ever. We must not forget that aquatic plants are an indispensable part in the wetland's ecological system. The next time you pass by the ponds, don't forget to observe the aquatic plants and how they sway on the water. The aquatic plants will fascinate you.
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