Stratiotes aloides
Stratiotes aloides © Jorge Salgado
The water-soldier, Stratiotes aloides L., is an aquatic vascular plant of the family Hydrocharitaceae. Stratiotes aloides L is found floating in summer and submerged in winter.
Stratiotes aloides L leaves are very similar to pineapple leaves.
It is found in England and parts of Europe as far south as Turkey, and east to Siberia.
Species detail
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Taxonomy
The water-soldier is a perennial aquatic plant with short-lived flowers. But how would you identify it?
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Distribution
Stratiotes aloides is native to England and parts of Europe. Discover where you might spot it.
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Biology
The water soldier hibernates in sediment during the winter and reproduces asexually. Find out more.
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Conservation
Find out why this species is declining in Britain.
Distribution map
A world map showing the distribution of Stratiotes aloides L.
- select + on right hand corner of the map to see the key
- this map only shows records with coordinates 4,570 records from a total of 5,102 records
Disclaimer: Maps depict density of data registered within the GBIF network index and not necessarily true species occurrence density gradients. The data in the GBIF network index may not represent the full distribution of species name.
Note: Selecting this map will transfer you to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility website.
Images
Stratiotes aloides.
© Jorge Salgado
Stratiotes aloides.
© Jorge Salgado
Stratiotes aloides.
© Jorge SalgadoAuthor
J Salagado
PhD Student, Department of Botany
A word from the author
'I chose the water soldier because it is an astonishing freshwater species with a unique architecture that used to be common in Europe and the UK and is now restricted to just a few areas. As a consequence it is vital for the survival of this species that people learn more about it and what is causing its decline.'
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