Conocarpus trees

Why in news?

• The state government of Gujarat in India has imposed a ban on the plantation of Conocarpus trees in both forest and non-forest areas due to their adverse impacts on the environment and human health.

About Conocarpus trees:

• Conocarpus erectus, commonly called buttonwood or button mangrove, is a mangrove shrub that grows on shorelines in tropical and subtropical regions around the world
• The decision to ban Conocarpus comes after research reports highlighted its adverse effects, including spreading pollen that can lead to diseases like cold, cough, asthma, and allergies.
• Conocarpus grows rapidly, also they have deep roots that can damage telecommunication lines, drainage systems, and freshwater systems

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Why is a plant called ‘Conocarpus trees’ often mentioned in the news?

(a) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

(b) It extracts are widely used in textile production

(c) It is listed as critically endangered in IUCN Red Data Book

(d) None of the above

Answer