Senna tora Plant

Nov. 17, 2024

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is experimenting with the removal of a potential new species of invasive plant Senna tora that has begun emerging in parts of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR).

About Senna tora  Plant:

  • It is a native species of Central America.
  • Habitat: It is an annual, perennial or subshrub and grows primarily in the wet tropical biome.
  • It is emerging in drier areas and germinates after the southwest monsoon and gradually withers by the end of the year.
  • Uses: It is used as animal food, a poison and a medicine, has environmental uses and for food.

Key facts about Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR)

  • Location:It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • The name Mudumalai means the ancient hill range because it is as old as 65 million years when the Western Ghats were formed.
  • It has a common boundary with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary(Kerala) on the West, and Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) on the North.
  • The Theppakadu elephant camp is a popular tourist attraction.
  • Vegetation:A variety of habitats ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands and swamps are found here.
  • Flora:The Reserve has tall grasses, commonly referred to as “Elephant Grass”, Bamboo of the giant variety, valuable timber species like Teak, Rosewood, etc.
  • Fauna:Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine etc.