Online Sale of Ornamental Plants Raises Concerns Over Invasive Species in India

In a worrying trend, the online trade of ornamental plants in India has been identified as a significant conduit for the introduction of invasive species, potentially harming the country’s rich biodiversity. A recent study highlights that a considerable portion of these plants sold on various e-commerce platforms are non-native species, some of which have already proven to be invasive or naturalized in other regions across the globe.

The research, published in the journal Environmental Conservation, points out that among the ornamental plants available for purchase, 57 species have been specifically classified as invasive within India. This includes notorious species like Lantana camara, which has invaded 40% of the natural habitats of tigers in the country, and Parthenium hysterophorus, known for its aggressive growth and detrimental impacts on local flora.

Kesang Bhutia, the lead author of the study and a graduate researcher at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in Bengaluru, emphasized the severe consequences posed by invasive alien species. “Invasive species compete fiercely against our native plants, leading to significant ecological and economic costs,” Bhutia remarked. The concern is that while not every alien plant poses a threat, many can escape cultivation and establish themselves in native ecosystems, sometimes leading to devastating outcomes.

The ornamental horticulture sector is recognized globally as a vital pathway for the introduction of these invasive species. The research conducted by Bhutia involved a comprehensive inventory of 1,856 ornamental species sold online, sourced from three major e-commerce platforms. This inventory revealed a concerning trend where many of the plants, while aesthetically pleasing, could have negative implications for India’s biodiversity.

Invasive species are acknowledged as one of the primary drivers of global biodiversity loss, and their growing prevalence in India is raising alarm bells among environmentalists and ecologists. As the online marketplace continues to thrive, the need for stricter regulations and awareness regarding the ecological impact of these ornamental plants becomes increasingly crucial. The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call for consumers and policymakers alike, urging them to consider the long-term consequences of introducing non-native species into India’s diverse ecosystems.

Source: scroll.in