This study explores relationships between spatial complexity and form of aquatic macrophytes, and epiphytic algal on a tropical floodplain.

Our study indicates greater algae biomass on macrophytes with high structural complexity.

Our results also suggest shape and alignment of macrophytes, rather than surface area or biomass, result in greater epiphytic attachment.

Water quality conditions within patches is influenced by the structure and density of the dominant macrophyte type.

A layer of submerged macrophyte below the clear water surface, function in a similar way to the littoral zone to boosts epiphyte algal production.