Stratiotes aloides | Water soldier | Marginal Plant
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- Unique free-floating or loosely rooted aquatic
- Prefers full sun to partial shade in still or slow-moving water
- Provides excellent habitat for aquatic invertebrates and amphibians
- Interesting seasonal behaviour: sinks in winter, rises in spring
Water Soldier forms rosettes of stiff, brittle, serrated, sword-shaped leaves, giving it a distinctive, almost prehistoric appearance. These rosettes can reach up to 40cm in diameter.
In summer, mature plants may produce small, three-petalled white flowers emerging from a spathe. It is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants (though female plants are rare in some regions like the UK).
It offers excellent shelter for aquatic insects (like dragonfly larvae), small fish, and newts. The plant itself obtains nutrients directly from the water and is a good oxygenator.
An intriguing plant for ponds, it has a unique life cycle, typically sinking to the pond bottom to overwinter and rising again in spring. Note: It can be invasive in some regions; always check local regulations before planting.
