Why is it in News?
→ Global warming aiding rapid spread of invasive Lantana camara.
→ Spread causing ecological concerns.
Important Points
- Invasive alien plant species.
- Belongs to verbena family.
- Native to Central and South America.
- Introduced in India in early 18th century.
- Originally introduced as ornamental plant.
- Forms dense thickets suppressing native vegetation.
- Releases chemicals inhibiting other plants.
- Leaves, flowers, and berries are toxic to livestock.
- Timber used for furniture and fuelwood.
- Biomass used for compost and vermicompost.