Why is it in the news?

• Recently, the Gujarat government has banned the planting of ornamental Conocarpus trees due to their adverse impacts on the environment and human health.

About Conocarpus Trees

• Conocarpus is a fast-growing exotic mangrove species that was popular for increasing green cover in Gujarat.
• Research reports have shown that Conocarpus trees spread pollen, causing health issues like cold, cough, asthma, and allergies.
• The species has deep roots that can damage telecommunication lines, drainage lines, and freshwater systems.
• Leaves of Conocarpus are unpalatable to plant-eating animals.

Similar Cases

Vilayati Kikar (Prosopis juliflora)

• Vilayati Kikar was introduced to Delhi in the 1930s by the British and quickly became dominant due to its fast growth in arid conditions.
• It outcompetes native trees, leading to the decline of native flora and fauna.
• Vilayati Kikar also depletes the water table in the areas where it is planted.

Eucalyptus

• Eucalyptus trees were introduced by the British in Munnar, Kerala, for fuel in tea plantation boilers.
• The cultivation of foreign invasive plants like acacia and eucalyptus has reduced the availability of fodder in forests, leading to man-animal conflicts.
• The quality of forest habitats has suffered due to the cultivation of alien plants for commercial purposes.