Diversity of Invasive plant species of Pithoragarh region in Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand.

Abstract

Invasion of invasive species is complex to trace; these species are not easily distinguishable when in low population density. They colonise abundantly in a short time period. They easily adapt to the surrounding environment they get introduced to and affect the native population by making the surroundings unstable for them. Knowledge about invasive species has significantly increased in the present time. Their Introduction, identification and colonisation and the effects on their surroundings are being studied. A total of 119 invasive species were identified from various sites.  Human colonies, surrounded by these invasive plants, have developed their own ways to use these invasive species in different ways, such as ornamental purposes, medicinal remedies, fodder, etc. Most of the Invasive species reported are herbaceous, mainly related to the Asteraceae family. Nativity of these plants was mostly associated with Tropical America. Our findings will benefit the community by giving a clear differentiation and identification of invasive species from native ones of the Kumaun region, and also highlight the usage of invasive species by the local community.