Expansive alien flora of Odisha, India

Abstract

The present paper documents the invasive alien flora of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India based on data obtained from field exploration and literature consultations. Eighty seven invasive alien species of 64 genera and 40 families are documented. Of these, 52 species are being used for medicinal purposes as reported by local inhabitants. Asteraceae is found to be most dominant family contributing 12 species to the list. Most of the invasive alien flora of the district belongs to American continent (70.1%) and African continent (17.2%). Growth form analysis shows herbs share 69 species followed by shrubs (11 species), trees (4 species) and climbers (3 species) respectively. Out of 87 alien species 13 have been introduced purposely while rest accidentally during import of food grains. Ageratum conyzoides L., Eichhornia crassipes (C. Martius) Solms., Lantana camaraL. and Mikania micrantha Kunth. are spreading and covering the habitat faster than native species, exerting severe pressure on functioning of ecosystems as well as species diversity. A better planning in the form of early identification, reporting and control of the invasive alien flora of Bhadrak district is warranted.