Senna spectabilis

Why in news?

• Senna spectabilis, an invasive tree, has taken over between 800 and 1,200 hectares of the buffer zones of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve(MTR) in the Nilgiris hill district.

About Senna spectabilis:

• Senna spectabilis was introduced in India as an ornamental species and for use as firewood from South and Central America.
• The plant has become an invasive alien species in parts of Africa, India and other countries.
• The thick foliage of the tree arrests the growth of other indigenous tree and grass species. Hence, it causes food shortages for the wildlife population, especially herbivores.
• It also adversely affects the germination and growth of native species.

About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve:

• Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu
• It forms part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the first Biosphere Reserve in India.
• It has a common boundary with
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) on the West
  • Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) on the North,
  • Nilgiris North Division on the South and East
  • Gudalur Forest Division on the South West.
• The reserve has tall grasses, commonly referred to as “Elephant Grass”, Bamboo of the giant variety, and valuable timber species like Teak, Rosewood etc.

PRACTICE QUESTION

‘Senna spectabilis’, recently seen in news, is:

(a) An invasive tree species

(b) A plant that can be used for making biofuel

(c) A carnivorous plants endemic to Himalayas

(d) An herbs used to treat various disorders

Answer