Senna spectabilis, Invasive plant species
Why in news :
- The Nodal Centre for Biological Invasions (NCBI) at the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has come out with a management plan to eradicate Senna spectabilis.
- It is an exotic invasive plant that is posing a severe threat to the State’s wildlife habitat.
About Senna spectabilis :
- Senna spectabilisis a plant species of the legume family in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae native to South and Central America.
- They are often grown as an ornamental in front yards, parks, gardens, buildings etc. due to their bright yellow flowers that bloom during the summer months.
- They are also known as golden wonder tree, American cassia, popcorn tree, Cassia excelsa, golden shower tree or Archibald’s cassia.
- The plant has become an invasive alien species in parts of Africa such as Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, and also in South-India.
- It was introduced for resources such as firewood as well as to help combat deteriorating ecosystems affected by deforestation and desertification in various countries.
- Currently, Senna spectabilisis overtaking native tree species of forestry ecosystems around the world because of its ability to grow quickly.
Syllabus : Prelims; Environment