Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides) is an aquatic perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. It forms a rosette of sword-shaped leaves that float on the water surface during the growing season and sink in winter. In agroecological systems, Water Soldier plays a crucial role in constructed wetlands for water purification, providing habitat for aquatic wildlife, and enhancing biodiversity. It is particularly valuable in regenerative agriculture for its ability to oxygenate water and support aquatic ecosystems. Historically, it has been used in traditional water management systems in Europe. In a food forest, it can serve as an aquatic layer, contributing to the overall health of the water bodies within the system.
Growing Details
Water Soldier thrives in still or slow-moving water bodies with full sun to partial shade. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline waters. Propagation is typically through offsets, as seed production is rare. Ensure the water body is free from pollutants and maintain a balanced ecosystem to prevent overgrowth. Avoid planting in areas where it may become invasive. Regularly check for water quality and balance nutrient levels to support healthy growth.
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Stratiotes aloides</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and parts of Asia
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of Jun for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of August for 30 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(0/5)
edible uses:
Medicinal Rating:
(0/5)
medicinal uses:
health concerns: Not suitable for consumption due to potential toxicity.
other uses: Used in constructed wetlands for water purification and habitat creation.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Stratiotes aloides
common names: Water Soldier; Water Aloe; Water Pineapple
family: Hydrocharitaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Stratiotes
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 0.5 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Medium
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(5/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.3 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Heavy
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Dioecious
growth details: Water Soldier thrives in still or slow-moving water bodies with full sun to partial shade. It prefers neutral to slightly alkaline waters. Propagation is typically through offsets, as seed production is rare. Ensure the water body is free from pollutants and maintain a balanced ecosystem to prevent overgrowth. Avoid planting in areas where it may become invasive. Regularly check for water quality and balance nutrient levels to support healthy growth.
Potential Disturbances: Generally pest-free, but can be affected by waterfowl and large fish. To manage these, consider using floating barriers or netting. Encourage natural predators like dragonflies to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
Growth Timeline
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