Plant with unusual property

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Gary1016, Apr 28, 2013.

  1. Gary1016

    Gary1016 New Member

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    I'm not sure if this is an appropriate forum for this kind of question, but here goes: I'm looking for a plant with an unusual property. It's an outdoor plant. When placed under water, the leaves, and/or the entire plant, become like silver. Someone showed me this plant many years ago growing near a creek and demonstrated this to me. I recently tried to find the plant but couldn't. If anyone knows of such a plant I would appreciate a name or picture of what this plant looks like.

    Thanks.
     
  2. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Lots of plants with either a thick glaucous wax layer on the leaves, or dense short water-repellent hairs, will show this. The silvery colour is just air trapped next to the leaf by the wax and/or hairs, causing light to reflect back off the underwater air surface.
     
  3. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Agree with Michael. If you are hoping to find something more specific than that, you'll probably need to try and recall more of what the plant looked like.
     

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