• Ludwigia Peruviana, a native of Central and South America is challenging the existence of local vegetation in various swampy areas around the world
• The weed was first seen in 1993 in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam
• In recent years, it has grown rapidly in Karbi Anglong and its lowlands
• It is an invader nobody has seen on our borders but it can play havoc with the country’s biodiversity.
• An alien weed, Ludwigia Peruviana, is posing a threat to biodiversity in parts of Assam, particularly the catchment area of the river Dhansiri and eastern part of river Kopili, scientists have reported while expressing concern that it can spread to other areas in Northeast India.
• Popularly called primrose willow, Ludwigia Peruviana, is a native of Central and South America. Its flower is pale yellowish in colour and the plant grows to a height of about 12 feet.
• It is an aquatic plant, which is now challenging the existence of local vegetation in various swampy areas around the world.
• The weed flourishes in sandy and mineral rich soil of wetlands.
• In addition to the Northeast, there are reports of this weed spreading in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, the Andaman & Nicobar islands and West Bengal.

• Ludwigia Peruviana grows faster in wetlands than other harmful weeds. The pre-monsoon temperature and monsoon rains help this weed grow faster. It is posing a serious problem.

Source: Downtoearth