Stratiotes aloides

Taxobox
name = "Stratiotes aloides"

---

image_width = 220px
image_caption = "Stratiotes aloides"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Alismatales
familia = Hydrocharitaceae
genus = "Stratiotes"
species = "S. aloides"
binomial = "Stratoides aloides"
binomial_authority = L.

Common names

Water Soldier / Water Pineapple

ynonyms

S. aculeatus; S. aquaticus; S. ensiformis; S. generalis

Origins

found in Europe and NW AsiaIn Britain it was once common in East Anglia.

Description

A rosette of serrated leaves.White flowers are produced in the Summer.

Ecological aspects

In the Summer this plant floats on the water surface with the leaves just above the surface. In the Autumn they become covered with a slimy secretion (calcium carbonate) and the whole plant sinks to the bottom to rise again in the Spring. Fossils have been found of this plant.

Plants are dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Only the female plant occurs naturally in Britain, though plants with hermaphrodite flowers are also found occasionally. Seed is never set in Britain, the plants increasing mainly by offsets. [Clapham, Tootin and Warburg]

Cultivation

Most suitable for the cool aquarium or pond.

Propagation from runners which form from the centre of the rosette of leaves.

The herb has had a high reputation for treating wounds, especially when these are made by an iron implement. It is applied externally. The plant is also said to be of use in the treatment of St. Anthony's Fire and also of bruised kidneys. [Grieve, "A Modern Herbal". Penguin (1984)]

References

* Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. "Flora of the British Isles". Cambridge University Press 1962

External links

* [http://www.iowas.co.uk/Soldier.html IOW Fishkeepers]
* [http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Stratiotes+aloides Plants for a Future]