Prosopis Juliflora

Prosopis Juliflora Latest News

Recently, the Madras High Court issued a set of 34 directions for the eradication of the exotic and invasive species prosopis juliflora from Tamil Nadu. 

About Prosopis Juliflora

• It is a shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae, a kind of mesquite.
• It is native to Mexico, South America and the Caribbean.
• It is one of the most invasive species in arid and semi-arid areas. 
• It was brought to Delhi by the British in the 1920s, when the national capital was being built.
• Other names: In India it is known locally by many names such as Bellary jaali, seemai karuvelam, seemai jaali, gando baval, vilayati kikar.

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Characteristics of Prosopis Juliflora

• Adaptability: It has a very wide ecological adaptability which can grow on soils from sand dune to clay soil, and from saline to alkaline soil type.
• Rainfall: It can grow below 200 to above 1500 m above sea level, and with a mean annual rainfall ranging from 50 to 1500 mm
• It is considered an invasive plant.
• It is characterized by vigorous growth which helps them to outcompete indigenous plant species.

Impacts of Prosopis Juliflora on Environment

• This tree absorbs more than four litres of water to obtain one kilogram of biomass.
• It cannot even shelter birds as it produces less oxygen and more carbon dioxide.
• It can also turn the groundwater poisonous.
• It causes land erosion due to the loss of the grasslands that are habitats for native plants and animals.

Source: TH