KOCHI: A thorny invader is spreading its roots in some parts of Kerala and posing a threat to the local flora and fauna. Cylindropuntia ramosissima, a species of cactus, believed to be a native of Northern Mexico, has been located at Attappady area of Palakkad district.
A three-member team of the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Thrissur, consisting of K. V. Sankaran, director of the institute, T. V. Sajeev, scientist and T. A. Suresh, research scholar, indentified the weed during a survey conducted across the State for invasive weeds and trees.
The spiny weed is mainly seen in the dry areas of south western United States and northern Mexico.
Researchers say the weed is used as a hedge plant to protect agricultural land from wild animals, and came into the State from Tamil Nadu.
The hedges of this spiny plant can even stop marauding wild elephants from attacking farm lands. It is believed that the species might have been introduced in the country as a garden plant.
Though the distribution of the plants is very restricted, people from other parts of the State were found collecting them to be used as hedge plants elsewhere. Local population has been sensitised about the risk factors involved, and the need to restrict its spread, said Dr. Sajeev.
The researchers believe that the plant was introduced in Attappady area nearly a decade ago as the plants found in the area are almost seven-metre tall.
Local people reported that the thorns were very poisonous. The reverse barbs on the thorns make it easy to grab on, and hence it is difficult to remove once it pierces through the skin.
This weed spreads in open areas, including the flanks of the roads replacing native flora and fauna. Vegetative propagation is the main source of reproduction, researchers said.
Source: The Hindu, 20-11-2010
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