Stratiotes

Stratiotes is a small genus of aquatic plants, commonly known as water soldiers. The best-known species is Stratiotes aloides, native to temperate Europe and western Asia, where it inhabits still or slow-moving freshwater such as fens, ponds, ditches, and edges of streams.

The plants form rosettes of tough, lanceolate leaves that float on the water surface. Leaves are rigid, with a waxy cuticle, and may carry small teeth along the margins. Roots dangle in the water column but are not used for anchorage. Stratiotes aloides is a perennial, with vegetative propagation through offshoots; flowering is rare and consists of inconspicuous, small flowers borne on a short stalk at the water surface, often followed by floating propagules.

Stratiotes often forms dense mats that can shade out other aquatic vegetation and alter habitat structure. It is adapted to cool, nutrient-rich waters and can tolerate seasonal drought by retreating to submerged rosettes during less favorable periods. The plant may play a role in nutrient uptake and habitat complexity but can be considered a problematic species if it forms persistent mats.

Taxonomy of the genus has varied with revisions, and Stratiotes aloides has been placed in different families by different classifications. The genus includes Stratiotes aloides and a few related taxa, with exact familial placement subject to taxonomic change.

In Europe, Stratiotes aloides is threatened by wetland drainage and hydrological alteration and is listed on regional red lists. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring wetland habitats to maintain suitable hydrology and water quality.