hydrosere

A pioneer plant community that develops in water when the depth is decreased by silting. The species present depend on the chemical nature of the ground water, typical species being various water lilies and pondweeds. As the water becomes more shallow, reeds develop. The organic matter builds up to form peat and then the hydrosere gives way to swamp. Eventually *mesophytes, such as coarse grasses, develop followed by shrubs and trees. See also sere.