As many as 471 plant species that are alien or exotic — not native to India — are ‘naturalised,’ for they can thrive in the country’s wildernesses by forming stable populations, says a recent report. The distribution across Indian States of over 20 of these naturalised species (in the list of 471) is unknown. “We have to worry about the invasive species among these,” he added over the phone. Last year, a study identified India as one of the ‘hotspots’ of naturalised plant species and among the seven regions in the world that have the highest number of invasive species. The ENVIS Centre on Floral Diversity hosted by the BSI lists more than 170 invasive plant species in India.

Source: The Hindu July 28, 2018 18:11 UTC