R. apiculata J.fraser, and H. psittaco- rum L f were used to screen for phosphorus removal. The results showed that T dealbata could remove phosphorus H. psittacorum to a greater degree than R. apiculata and 2. However, when compared with Cordi folius, it was found that dealbata not well in domes tic wastewater. In addition, after phosphorus removal for 7 days, R. apiculata plants died. This demonstrated that R. apiculata did not tolerate domestic wastewater; its pre- ferred habitat is salt water. In addition, H. psittacorum was unhealthy and demonstrated less efficient phosphorus re moval than the domestic wastewater control From these results, it was found that E. cordifolius had the highest efficiency of phosphorus removal because the root systems of E. cordifolius were extensively branched and more clusters of rootlets along its length, which provided an advantage for phosphorus uptake from wastewater. The root systems of E. cordifolius have root clusters(proteoid roots