Ecologists have raised alarm over e-portals like Amazon and eBay selling invasive plant species such as Lantana Camara — which are taking toll on the native flora and fauna — to urban dwellers in India for their gardens and balcony gardens.

As there is no check on the internet trading, the ecologists have warned that though people unknowingly buy this ‘greedy’ plants to decorate garden, it has much larger repercussion on the native floral biodiversity of the country.

Wildlife biologist with Global Tiger Forum-India Ridhima Solanki said, “When I saw Lantana Camara seed on sale at Amazon, I was not surprised. Its flowers in clusters of pink, yellow and white blooms draws  every body. Lantana Camara is a native of America where it grows in somewhat similar way as Jasmine grows in India. It is, however, spreading so stubbornly that now it is affecting sectors like agriculture, forests, livestock and aesthetics.”

Urging people not to fall for its bright colours, she said that many are not aware that the Government is spending huge money in containing this weed.

“Lantana is a greedy plant in India and hence many patches of land which were earlier having native floral diversity are seen filled with Lantana.

“The insects and animals which limit its growth in America are not found in Indian soil. The livestock and wild ungulate have found it poisonous and hence don’t graze on it. However, the pollination is not limited as bees and birds are feeding on its nectar and the seeds travel far by various vectors,” she said.

A study published in the recent issue of Current Science has taken up the case of Dhauladhar range, an extension of Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh where this particular invasive plant is eating away the native medicinal plants.

Researchers Natasha Sharma and Chandra Prakash Kala from Ecosystem and Environment Management of Bhopal-based Indian Institute of Forest Management, said the heavy infestation of Lantana Camera in sub-tropical forests has degraded the habitats of native medicinal plant species.

In fact, last year, at an event held in Kolkata to assess the current status of invasive alien species and their effect on biodiversity, eminent scientists called for an effective strategy in the next three years to control menace of these invasive plants.

“By 2020, we (India) have to come out with a strategy on how to control invasive alien species,” Botanical Survey of India Additional Director PV Prasanna had said while Zoological Survey of India Director Kailash Chandra called the invasive alien species as the second largest threat to the biodiversity in the world.

“We have to control the invasive species and prevent them from entering the country. This will cause havoc if not controlled. Science along with management coupled with legal backing can help in controlling the invasive alien species.”