Conocarpus tree harmful effects- read in detail why states in India are banning it.
Conocarpus tree is a genus of angiosperm (flowering plant group) in the family of Combretaceae.
Conocarpus erectus is native to Bermuda Bahamas West Indies South Africa South Gulf of Mexico Caribbean, the coast of Brazil, the Galapagos Islands, and Senegal.
The most famous varieties of Conocarpus are C. eretus and C. lancifolius.
Whereas Conocarpus lancifolius native places are countries like Yemen and Somalia.
Meanwhile, this plant/tree was widely used by Arabian countries to block sand from desert storms.
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Why it got famous
Attractive leaves, speedy growth, nearly very less maintenance tree, grows vertically in most cases, and can be easily pruned and shaped as per the topiary requirement of gardening projects of urban building projects, city plannings, and gardens.
such features made it famous for some real estate developers as well as some city municipalities in Gujarat.
Study case of conocarpus in India.
Before its removal from Gujarat, the city of Pune in the state of Maharashtra, the Pune Municipal Corporation also removed plants from the city of the Conocarpus.
Some research botanists draw the attention of the authorities to discuss the tree. Particularly its demerits to the authorities. This tree has pollen that is not good for health and its roots can damage pipelines and drainage systems in the urban areas.
This tree became famous due to its widespread quick-growth nature. It grows very fast and attends a height of 10 to 15 feet within 2 years of years of span.
It has less water requirement and grows erect best on roadside peripheral landscaping planning a dark green look.
It tolerates high as well as low temperatures and gets established in sandy as well as clay soils. The reason it got expansion to rise in planting projects in cities is due to its ability to grow within conditions like vehicle traffic areas, chimneys, and oil refineries.
Getting in such a situation also. It has some good advantages but the authority has come to know that it has negative effects on urban infrastructure its small roots easily penetrate the granite pipeline and also can damage drainage and the Underground system.
Leaves have bacteria and dust which cause different types of allergies. Particularly sensitive body skins and some sources say it’s Poland because of breathing problems also.
Why it’s banned-Conocarpus tree harmful effects
However, its roots can damage telecommunication lines, pipes in underground systems, and drainage lines. Conocarpus has adverse effects on health like cough, cold, asthma, and provoke allergies.
It also takes more than expected water from the soil, so large plantations can make scarcity for underground water in the long run
It found that birds do not make nests on this tree, and also found that goats do not eat its leaves
but still, it’s a matter of detailed research.