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Invasive Alien Plant Species Assessment in Urban Ecosystem: A Case Study from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India

Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Environmental Science, Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University, NEPAL
  • 2Wood Processing and Engineering, Adama Science and Technology University, Adama, ETHIOPIA
  • 3 Department of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, INDIA

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 2, Issue (5), Pages 79-86, May,22 (2013)

Abstract

This paper highlights the current status of invasive alien plant species in Andhra University Campus of Visakhapatnam district, India, with background information on habit, nativity, longevity, uses and mode of introduction. Data were collected through Phytosociological method. Altogether 21 species belonging to 15 families were documented. The highest Importance Value Index (IVI) was found for Antigonon leptopus. The data show that Wrightia tinctoria is the most frequently encroached tree species by A. leptopus. Species diversity of Invasive alien plants showed that this study area was highly disturbed. Fabaceae is the most dominant family with 3 species (14%) of contribution. About 62% of these alien species were introduced from Tropical America followed by Tropical South America (9%) and Tropical Africa (4%). Analysis of habit shows that herbs dominate (11 species) followed by shrubs (8) and climbers (2). A search in the literature indicated that several of these species have potential uses for different purposes. Similarly, only 5 Species (24%) seem to have been introduced deliberately and the rest of them unintentional through trade exchanges including grain import. However, quantitative impact of these species on the indigenous flora and invaded ecosystems is yet to be studied. There is an urgent need to develop regional data on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) diversity.

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