Water soldiers
Stratiotes aloides
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 – 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.
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
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.
