Sanjeeb Kumar Das
Abstract
An exhaustive floristic survey was carried out during 2024-2025 in the RIE, Campus, Ajmer for documentation of origin, diversity and uses of Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS) for creating environmental awareness among DM school children. From the study, it was found that 53 species with 47 genera under 31 different families. Analysis of habit revealed that, herbs are dominant with 39 species (74%) followed by shrubs (8), trees(2) and climbers(4). The dominant family was Asteraceae with 10(32.25%) species followed by Caesalpiniaceae, Convolvulaceae, Amaranthaceae, Verbenaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asclepediaceae and Malvaceae. These family included most Invasive species such as Chromolaena odorata, Lantana camera, Aegeratum conzyzoides, Parthenium hysterophorus, Eichhornia crassipes and others. The dominance of Asteraceae species found in this campus was resulted due to higher potential for adaptability and rapid growth. Regarding nativity, more species are found in Tropical America (24) followed by Tropical Africa (7), Tropical South America (5), Brazil (3), West Indies (3). From the interaction with local people and literature survey, it was found that IAPS were used as Medicine, Fuel, ornamental, rope Making and Leafy Vegetables. The effect of IAPS in human health, economy, and biodiversity is yet to be assessed at both national and regional level.