Why is it in the news?
Madras High Court ordered steps for eradication of this invasive species.
It has harmful ecological impacts.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● Prosopis juliflora is an invasive shrub/tree species
● Native to Mexico, South America and Caribbean
● Introduced in India by British in 1920s
● Known locally as vilayati kikar and other names
● Grows in wide range of soil and climatic conditions
● Outcompetes native vegetation due to rapid growth
● Consumes large amount of groundwater
● Reduces biodiversity and harms ecosystems
● Causes land degradation and environmental imbalance