Malakar R. and Baruah M.P.
Abstract
Invasive plant species are those plants which are non-native or foreign to an area. These plants are introduced in a region or country through various means like through foreign traders, along with imported seeds, cereals or grains, by accidental release etc. Generally, invasive plants are harmful and they invade the habitat of local plant species. Increasing population of invasive plant species can lead to the extinction of local plant species, destruction of biodiversity and alteration of habitat. They also lead to the reduction in the crop production of an area. Though these invasive plant species are mostly harmful but some of them have medicinal values also. In India, 173 invasive plant species are found out of which 58 are terrestrial and 8 are aquatic species. Different ecosystems of India are disturbed by these invasive species whether these are introduced for agricultural, commercial or ornamental purposes. Assam, a north-eastern state of India is also facing the problems from the invasive plant species. These invasive plants are not only problematic for the biodiversity of the state but also cause inconvenience to the farmers. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries are also affected by these invasive plant species. In this paper, invasive plants species of Mangaldai sub-division of Darrang district, Assam are studied along with their harmful effects and benefits.