Conocarpus tree harmful effects- read in detail why states in India are banning it.
Conocarpus trees have been planted extensively in cities all over the world because of their resilience and quick growth, which make them popular choices for urban landscaping. Its widespread use has, nevertheless, drawn attention to several unforeseen and detrimental implications on infrastructure and the environment.
Although the Conocarpus tree offers shade and greenery, its invasive root system can weaken building foundations, damage pipelines, and interfere with subsurface utilities.
It also uses too much water in some areas, which would affect nearby water resources. Communities thinking about using Conocarpus trees for landscaping must be aware of these drawbacks because these trees have unintended expenses besides their advantages.
- Are Conocarpus trees secretly sabotaging your garden? These popular trees look appealing, but they’re a hidden menace. Conocarpus trees have aggressive root systems that can damage pipes, sidewalks, and even your home’s foundation. But that’s not all.
- They consume an enormous amount of water, which can lead to water shortages in your area. And if you’re into gardening, you’ll find that Conocarpus trees create dense shade, preventing other plants from getting the sunlight they need.
- Plus, these trees are notorious for attracting pests and diseases, making your yard a hotspot for unwanted visitors. For a healthier, safer environment, consider native alternatives. They’re friendlier to your ecosystem and just as beautiful.
- So, before you plant a Conocarpus tree, remember that a little awareness can save you a lot of trouble. Choose wisely to protect your home and garden! Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to subscribe for more helpful home tips!
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.
Due to its fast-growing nature and good straight look, it got. Famous among the government bodies as well as in real estate and some private properties.
It is estimated that generally, it grows approx 25-30 feet tall in a height per year. While other commonly seen avenue tree species take at least 5-y years to reach such height.
The most famous varieties of Conocarpus are C. erectus and C. lancifolius.
Although 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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Conocarpus lancifolius
Also known as Buttonwood is one species out of two from One Genus Conocarpus. Its family is Combretaceae. Its natives are Yemen Djibouti and the coastal area of Somalia.
Its Somali Name is GHALAB and its Arabic name is DAMAS.
This also has a high drought tolerance
Pest resistance is also good for some serious pets around.
It got planted in bulk in cities like Ahmadabad, Vadodara, and Rajkot in Gujarat
Pune city in Maharashtra also.
Conocarpus erectus (buttonwood)
It’s native to Florida, The Caribbean, and South America.
Its usability is Screen, clipped hedge, and Specimen planting.
Usually, it thrives in most of the soil like Clay, Sand, Loam, Alkaline, Acidic, Wet, and Well-drained.
Its Drought tolerance is high.
Slowly its drawbacks started to surface in the last two years but during this year it got more attention from the public, experts, and government bodies that they can be a loss of health, groundwater obstacles in civil structures, etc.
In Arabian countries, it got planned more as to stop moving ahead desert.
Why it got famous / Conocarpus benefits
With attractive leaves, speedy growth, and nearly very little maintenance, trees grow vertically in most cases and can be easily pruned and shaped as per the topiary needs of gardening projects, urban building projects, city planning, and gardens.
Such features made it famous/beneficial for some real estate developers as well as some city municipalities, gardeners, and landscapers in Gujarat and India.
Case Study of Conocarpus tree harmful effects 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 need and grows erect best on roadside peripheral landscaping planning a dark green look.
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It tolerates high and low temperatures and is established in sandy and clay soils. Its expansion in planting projects in cities is due to its ability to grow within conditions like vehicle traffic areas, chimneys, and oil refineries.
I’ve been 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 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
Yet, its roots can damage telecommunication lines, pipes in underground systems, and drainage lines. Conocarpus has adverse effects on health like cough, cold, asthma, and allergies.
When the tree starts blooming pollen causes allergies which is harmful for allergic and asthma patients. Because large plantations float more pollen in the air. Mostly they are planted in hundreds and thousands of quantities. Like road dividers, green belt plantations, etc.
But later it was found that it consumes thousands of liters of water per day which is more on the higher side compared to other regular trees. so large plantations can cause scarcity of 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.
Conclusion- ” Why it’s not good for the city? “
Conocarpus tree has harmful effects it as allergic pollen discharge from the flowers, which causes respiratory problems in humans like asthma, allergies, etc.
Most birds do not prefer to make their nest on this tree.
Even this tree does’t get most of the pests.
Deep root systems damage the city’s underground pipelines, and cables system and use much fresh (Underground) water reserves below the land
Reference :
Why Gujarat’s ban on the invasive Conocarpus plant may be futile
CONOCARPUS ERECTUS: BUTTONWOOD
Gujarat bans plantation of Conocarpus trees citing environment, health hazard
Conocarpus Tree in Telangana: Dangerous Threat..!?
In which state Conocarpus is banned in India?
Gujarat, Pune (Maharashtra), and Telangana.
Why it’s banned in India?
Its roots can damage telecommunication lines, pipes in underground systems, and drainage lines. Conocarpus has adverse effects on health like cough, cold, asthma, and allergies.