Stratiotes aloides
Stratiotes aloides, commonly known as water velvet, is a distinctive floating aquatic plant found in freshwater ecosystems. Characterized by its rosette of velvety, fringed leaves, it plays a vital role in providing habitat for aquatic organisms. While ecologically significant, it can become invasive, altering nutrient cycles and local biodiversity.
- Scientific name: Stratiotes aloides
- Family: Hydrocharitaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Alismatales. Finally, it is classified under the family Hydrocharitaceae within the genus Stratiotes.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Alismatales | WCVP |
| Family | Hydrocharitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Stratiotes | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Stratiotes aloides, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Poland, it is called Osoka aloesowata, while in Finland, it is known as sahalehti. In Estonia, the species is identified as vesikarikas, and in Germany, it is commonly called Krebsschere. Additionally, in the Czech Republic, it goes by the name řezan pilolistý.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Osoka aloesowata | Wikidata |
| fi | sahalehti | Wikidata |
| et | vesikarikas | Wikidata |
| de | Krebsschere | Wikidata |
| cs | řezan pilolistý | Wikidata |
| bg | алоевиден стратиотес | Wikidata |
| nds | Heekstohl | Wikidata |
| lt | alavijinis aštrys | Wikidata |
| hsb | Alowejowa šćipalica | Wikidata |
| nl | Krabbenscheer | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. Its presence can be documented within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Furthermore, it is found across the landscapes of Great Britain and Ireland. The species also extends its range into the territory of Sweden. Consequently, these northern countries represent the primary geographical locations for this medicinal plant.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Stratiotes aloides, is a floating aquatic herb characterized by its unique structural adaptations. Unlike many terrestrial plants, it does not possess traditional roots for nutrient uptake from soil; instead, it utilizes fine, thread-like submerged structures that function similarly to roots to aid in stability and nutrient absorption from the water column. The most prominent part of the plant is its rosette of floating leaves, which are thick, fleshy, and often feature serrated margins that help the plant maintain its position on the water's surface.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Stratiotes aloides has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include alpha-arbutine, arginine, choline, cis-aconitic acid, isoleucine.
- Total chemicals
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| alpha-arbutine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arginine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| choline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cis-aconitic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoleucine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leucine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phaeophorbide a | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenylalanine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tryptophan | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tyrosine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Stratiotes aloides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include wounds.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |