Water soldiers

Stratiotes aloides

Schedule 2 Restricted Matter

Biosecurity Queensland must be contacted within 24 hours of sighting, call: 13 25 23.

family

Hydrocharitaceae

origin

Exotic

declaration

Category 1 Restricted Matter (Biosecurity Act 2014)

Category 1 Restricted Matter (Biosecurity Act 2014)

Category 1 – must be reported to a Queensland Government inspector within 24 hours

Common names

Water pineapple, Water aloe.

Water soldier is mainly invisible as it grows under the water and attaches itself to the bed. During its flowering time the stem breaks off and rises to the surface, and the tips of the leaves and the inflorescence rise above the surface of the water. The smell of decomposing flesh that the flower emits attracts flies and perhaps some butterflies to pollinate it.

Leaf arrangement:Simple
Leaf form:Whorled
White
Green

Impact

Impact

Potential to become serious pest if introduced and planted in aquariums or outdoor ponds.S. aloides can form dense mats of floating vegetation that crowds out native plant species. It can change water chemistry. The large dense mats and the serrated sharply pointed foliage of S. aloides can restrict recreational use of the water and pose a danger to swimmers and other people that handle the plant.

Location

Location

Characteristics

Characteristics

Similar Species

Similar Species

Control Methods