Conocarpus

Why in News?

A government-appointed expert panel on environment has recommended the Supreme Court to ban the exotic tree species Conocarpus (commonly called buttonwood or damas) due to serious ecological and health concerns.

Key Highlights

About Conocarpus

• Ornamental tree used in urban landscaping.
• Preferred for its fast growth, rich green canopy, and tolerance to heat, salinity, air, and dust pollution.
• Found abundantly in Delhi, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Ecological & Health Concerns

• Adverse impact on native biodiversity.
• Alters local ecosystems, consumes excess groundwater.
• Known as “green desert” → provides little or no sustenance to native insects, birds, or mammals.
• Pollen release during flowering season → triggers asthma, rhinitis, and allergies, especially among children and elderly.

Policy Context

• Only Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have banned Conocarpus plantations.
• The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) recommended uniform nationwide ban.

Origin of Species

• Two types:
  1. Native to coastal areas of tropical America & parts of West Africa.
  2. Found in arid coastal zones of Somalia, Yemen, Eastern & Northern Africa, Arabian Peninsula.