[14][15] Furthermore, Rorippa has served as a model system for studying biological invasion, with research focusing on evolutionary,[26][27] ecological,[28][29] and historical aspects.

[1][30][31][32][33] Most Rorippa species thrive in moist or wet environments like ditches, meadows, waterfronts, and wetlands,[28] highlighting their exceptional tolerance to flooding.

[28] The aquatic or marshy habitats of Rorippa often overlap with those of migratory shorebirds,[2] which could potentially carry seeds or fragments over long distances, establishing new populations far from the source.

For instance, nearly 55% of the 22 North American Rorippa species are categorized as OBL wetland indicators,[28] highlighting their strong association with wet environments.

This leaf shape variation is controlled by the levels of plant hormones including gibberellin (GA) and ethylene, as well as the expression of specific genes, such as KNOX1[5] or RaSPCH/RaMUTE,[18] providing an efficient way for leaves to absorb sunlight underwater.

[22] The plant's ability to adapt is also linked to its polyploid nature, which seems to have played a role in its successful colonization of high-altitudes during periods of historical climate change.

[6] These mutations lead to a constitutively active CRY2 protein, which overrides the need for vernalization (a cold period) and allows the plant to flower early, even under short-day conditions.