The floating leaf of a water lily (Nymphaea odorata) facing downward to show the attachment of the leaf stalk near the centre of the leaf. Hydromorphic leaves are thin, and the vascular tissues are scant, because the surrounding water provides mechanical support for the plant. Most species of water lilies have rounded, variously notched, waxy-coated leaves on long stalks that contain many air spaces and float in quiet freshwater habitats. The stalks arise from thick, fleshy, creeping underwater stems that are buried in the mud.