New invasive plant fast smothering native cultivations in Puttalam District

By Jagath Kanaheraarachchi

A new invasive weed species called Mimosa Diplotricha also known as the giant sensitive plant, had been detected at several areas of Puttalam District, additional director of agriculture, Sanath M. Bandara told The Island yesterday.

Bandara said that the weed scrambled vigorously over other plants, forming dense tangled thickets up to two metres in height. In many countries the plant had smothered and killed indigenous flora.

“We have identified this invasive species after Puttalam District Deputy Director of Agriculture, Tharangika Shyamali informed us that a new invasive plant is growing in Anamaduwa, Madurankuliya and Chilaw.”

Bandara said that it had been identified as a big threat to forest ecosystems, agricultural land and pastures. It caused heavy damage to crops like sugar cane, coconut, rubber, cassava, tea, pineapple and even rice.

“Unlike the normal sensitive plant, the leaves don’t close when the tree is shaken. This doesn’t grow straight like other invasive plants of this variety, i.e. Mimosa pudica and Mimosa pigra. It can’t be eaten by herbivores because it is toxic to them. In India they have found that the plant produces a toxin which can cause vascular endothelial damage, necrosis of the heart and liver and anemia in cattle. We must immediately eradicate this plant.”