Hydrocharitaceae

Stratiotes aloides

Common Names: Water soldier

Plant Form: Aquatic perennial herb. Size: Grows down to 5 m deep. Stem: Only thick flower stems emerge from water. Leaves: In a large rosette that looks like a pineapple or aloe top. Above water leaves are dark green and fleshy and with spiny edges. Below surface leaves are paler green or reddish-purple. Flowers: 3 roundish white petals. On thick stalks. Female flowers solitary, male in groups of 2-6. Fruit and Seeds: Berry-like, egg or barrel-shaped capsule green or brownish. 1-3 cm long. With cone-shaped tip. Containing pulp with 12-24 seeds. Habitat: Ponds, wetlands, ditches, channels.