Macrophyte richness of artificial and natural water bodies covering rivers, streams, canals and habitats with standing water was studied in Pannonian and Carpathian regions (Central Europe). Total number of macrophytes was significantly (P<0.05) higher in artificial water bodies compared to natural aquatic habitats in both regions. Hydrological variables followed by chemical and landscape factors were identified by generalised linear model (GLM) as the underlying sources of variation in macrophyte species richness.