A New Invader in the Western Ghats! The Polka Dot Plant
Vishnu Chandran M.*
Dept. of Forest Resource Management, College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala (680 656), India
Gopakumar, S.
Dept. of Forest Resource Management, College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala (680 656), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Biological invasion, Hypoestes phyllostachya, Invasive, Western Ghats
Abstract
A long-lived herb of Madagascar, Hypoestes phyllostachya Baker has been observed to exhibit bio-invasive activity in the highlands of Kerala state, India. First reported in Manipur, India as an invasive plant, this perennial herb has now invaded several rural areas adjacent to many protected areas in Kerala part of Western Ghats. Field observations indicate that thickets of Hypoestes smother and kill native plants. Plant nurseries in central Kerala are currently marketing H. phyllstachya as a garden plant. Failure to take early actions to effectively control Hypoestes will help it to quickly establish itself as another plant of high nuisance value.
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Reference
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