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| Know More » We prefer Indigenous ! |
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| Let us prefer Indigenous ! |
Exotic species are those plant species, which are not native to a particular area. These species have been introduced by human activities to a location where they do not naturally occur and so they are termed "exotic", "non-indigenous", "non-native" or simply "alien". The exotics threaten to alter the natural composition of forest; they restrict, prey on or compete with native populations and disrupt the integrity of site. They are major ecological threat. Some research suggests that the plant inhibits the growth of other plants in its vicinity.
When these non-native species cause ecological problems, they are termed as "invasive" or "harmful exotic species". Many times they turn out into a weed. Such species primarily invades disturbed habitats, degraded forests / thickets and left out or fallow fields crowding out native vegetation of upland forests, forming single species stands. For Example: In India, once introduced, the species like Lantana camara (Tantani) becomes invasive and slowly suppresses the growth of original vegetation. Once it starts flowering and fruiting, the seeds spread over a large area and germinate very fast. Then it becomes very difficult to eradicate them. Some of them are prolific seed producers. One can observe many such examples like Australian Acacia, Gliricidia spp. and Leucaena leucophyla (Subabhul). They start growing easily from the cut stump.
Commonly used exotic trees-
1.Eucalyptus
2.Gliricidia
3.Subabhul
4.Rain tree
5.Pink Cassia
6.Kaju
7.Badam
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8.Australian Acacia
9.Casurina
10.Kanchan
11.Silver Oak
12.Spathodia
13.Cassia spp
14.Mohogani
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Monoculture of such trees spoils the natural look of the area whereas indigenous trees easily suit in the frame and start healthy processes. Native plants provide shelter and food for wildlife. They attract a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife by providing diverse habitats and food sources.
Again the composition of Indigenous plants varies region wise, for example, plants occurring naturally in the high rainfall area can not sustain in dry region. So "Any indigenous" is not a sufficient criterion for plantations. Species chosen must be site specific and ecologically appropriate to that particular area.
Still there are some common trees all over India which are easy to plant and readily available in the market:
1.Satwin / Saptaparni
2.Kadamba
3.Phanas
4.Sair / Kate Sawar
5.Palas
6.Wad
7.Bherali maad
8.Bahava
9.Pangara
10.Umbar
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11.Nandruk
12.Pimpal
13.Bondara / Tamhan
14.Bhend
15.Amba
16.Sonchapha
17.Bakul
18.Chinch
19.Sitecha ashok
20.Jambhul
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This is just a partial list of plants easily available in market. oikos gives assistance in getting Native plant varieties,
ranging from various trees and shrubs to climbers. (Refer to Plant list)
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