A silent invasion of Lantana camara is underway in large parts of the world and global warming has made things easier for Lantana, helping it spread faster.
About Lantana camara:
It is an annual or perennial, small, broadleaf evergreen shrub in the verbena family.
It is an invasive alien plant species.
Origin: It is native to the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Central and South America.
It is an exotic weed that aggressively proliferates and forms a dense mesh of bushes.
In India, it was first introduced in the early 18th century as an ornamental plant by the British and since then, it has invaded almost all the tropical areas across the country.
Impact of Lantana camara on Environment:
Lantana grows in a notoriously aggressive way, releasing chemicals into the soil that suppress other vegetation.
Its leaves, flowers, and berries contain toxins that make them harmful to livestock.
Its roots dig deep into the soil and spread wide in search of water and nutrients.
Its timber is used for making furniture and also as fuelwood, etc.
Its biomass can be used to produce organic compost and vermicompost, which will be better for organic farming.
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