Important invasive alien species in India

1. Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes, formerly Eichhornia crassipes)

• Invasive floating aquatic plant.

• Forms dense mats on water surfaces.

• Can obstruct waterways, reduce light penetration and contribute to low dissolved oxygen.

2. Lantana (Lantana camara)

• Invasive shrub in many Indian landscapes.

• Can form dense thickets and suppress native vegetation.

• Can alter forest regeneration and grazing habitats.

3. Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus)

• Invasive herbaceous weed, commonly called Congress grass.

• Can compete with native plants and agricultural crops.

• Exposure may cause allergic reactions and dermatitis in susceptible people.

4. Prosopis (Prosopis juliflora)

• Introduced tree or shrub that has become invasive in many dryland settings.

• Can form dense stands and alter native vegetation.

• Its effects on soil, water availability and grazing land depend on local conditions.