Indigenous vs. Introduced Plants : The Ongoing Debate

Few months ago, I stumbled upon an article written by a representative of an ecological restoration firm that has been promoting native plant species for the past decade. The article sparked controversy by suggesting that non-native tree species need not be shunned altogether. Though the statement was not completely wrong, that article raised eye-brows of many nature-lovers as the statement was contradicting the very soul of that organization. 

So how do you decide what kind of tree to plant? Or perhaps, have you wondered, while walking down a city street or strolling through a park, why did we choose to plant a row of non-native Gulmohor or Rain-trees, instead of trees native to our region? This post aims to provide clarity on this topic by exploring the various factors that influence our tree-planting choices. 

At present, there is a debate on whether to plant indigenous trees or introduced/alien trees. Some favor indigenous native trees while others do not seem to bother about the species. But this debate should be considered from an environmental standpoint.

Different plants thrive in different regions of our country according to the nutrients, climate and habitat. These plants and the wildlife that depend on them create a rich ecosystem, and the introduction of an alien plants into this delicate balance is a matter of ongoing debate. Some say that many introduced shrubs, vines & trees that are naturalised in India, are useful. The examples include guava, custard-apple, grapes, sugarcane etc. But it should be noted here that all these plants are grown agriculturally, where their spread is controlled, carefully maintained. Furthermore, not all introduced plants are non-invasive or benign to the ecosystem.

Proponents of introduced trees argue that they provide shade, oxygen, and visual appeal through their colorful flowers. However, the problem arises when a single introduced tree species outcompetes ten native trees, leading to a tenfold reduction in carbon dioxide absorption and shade. Additionally, habitat loss for birds and pollinators can have devastating impacts on the ecosystem. Introduced species are often free from natural predators & pests, which makes them prone to becoming invasive, out-competing native flora for water and soil. This in turn drives away biodiversity and reduces the chances available for native species, leading to biological pollution. Introduced plants are often short-lived and brittle, making them susceptible to uprooting during storms. The leaves of trees like Eucalyptus and Mangium do not decompose easily and do not contribute to the production of organic fertilizer, resulting in soil pollution. 

While introduced trees like Gulmohar, Copperpod, Jacaranda and Spathodea may look beautiful, their ecological value is negligible. Although a few species of birds may perch on these trees, and pollinators like bees may occasionally be seen on their flowers due to a lack of other flowering species, it would be foolish to conclude that introduced species attract birds and pollinators. Many state governments have banned the cultivation of Eucalyptus due to the large amount of water it absorbs from the soil, which can exacerbate water scarcity issues in certain areas. Introduced species like Gliricidia, Mangium (Acacia Mangium), Earleaf Acacia (Acacia Auriculiformis) and Mesquite (Prosopis Juliflora) were brought to India from Australia and Mexico for rapid reforestation, timber, and fuelwood purposes. However, these same plants have now become a serious threat to ecosystems, competing with indigenous flora and fauna and disrupting nutrient cycling and hydrology. This impacts the overall economic stability of local communities and human health. Many of these species have aggressive root systems or produce a large number of viable seeds, both of which allow the plants to quickly invade the soils outside their growing areas. This resulted in almost destruction of the native Babool (Acacia Nilotica, or recently known as Vachellia Nilotica), which is an important tree species if dry regions. 

Trees native to a particular region have evolved to thrive in specific soil types, rainfall patterns, light availability, seed dispersal mechanisms, and other environmental attributes. In their native environment, these trees may provide cover, food, and habitat for birds, amphibians, insects, and mammals. The tree species that have been living in India for centuries and providing benefits not only to humans but also to wildlife and the ecosystem deserve priority. In fact, there are several fast-growing native trees in India that bear beautiful flowers. Native trees are more adaptable to their growing conditions and more resistant to disease than alien species that have only been introduced in recent decades. You can find the list of native trees here.

Several gardening enthusiasts and nature-lovers derive satisfaction from cultivating rare and uncommon plant species, which are not easily found in their vicinity. In fact, the introduction of new plants is a celebrated activity which delights many gardeners, and attracts media attention. These practices have contributed to scarcity of our own important native species in the urban areas across India. Sadly, it is now increasingly challenging to come across trees like Palash, Sita-Ashok or Kaim in the gardens of many cities. 

In conclusion, it is important to understand the impact of the trees we plant in our region. While non-native species may be visually appealing, they can have negative impacts on the local ecosystem. On the other hand, native trees have evolved to thrive in their environment and provide important benefits to both humans and wildlife. By prioritizing the plantation of native trees, we can promote a healthier and more diverse ecosystem while also supporting the local economy and preserving our cultural heritage. Though there is no need to hate the previously planted and grown non-native trees; at least now onwards, the plantation of any alien or foreign plant must be strongly discouraged. 

Today is 13th anniversary of Gifting Trees... Come, let us all take responsibility to protect our environment and choose the right kind of trees to plant for a sustainable future!

We and Trees : Our Experiences with Plantation

Well, this post is meant to share our experiences while tree plantations with our readers. Hope it will encourage more & more people to plant Native Trees and to care for our environment.

When we shifted to our new house, there was an Open Space adjacent to it, which was allotted by Municipal Corporation for gardening. But practically, it was being used as a dump yard by people. On top of that, it was thickly covered by weeds like Carrot grass (Parthenium Hysterophorus). So Initially we started with cleaning and de-weeding the place.

After that we planted few saplings there. We also arranged drip-irrigation system for watering. Still many of the saplings died during six months as the ground was thoroughly wiped out of nutrients by the weeds. Then we started dumping our kitchen waste near the planted saplings. We also got some dung fertilizer to impregnate the Earth. And trust me it worked well. The saplings began to grow vigorously..obviously with due care. First two years were tiresome.

But there was a mistake with those plantations. We have got few sapling from the Municipal Corporation unaware of the fact that they were introduced species. In that initial period, we carelessly planted whatever we got to plant. Its after two years that we hit by the fact. But by that time those varieties were competing with the Native species for space, Sun-light, nutrients & water. Now we can't even cut them nor they are useful to birds & insects. These introduced species eventually decrease the space available for habitat of our native species of birds, insects and trees as well and hence they have very detrimental effect. It is the reason why we always emphasize on plantation of Native species. We have learnt from our mistakes.

Then we never ever planted a introduced or non-native varieties. Yes, there were many times when neighbours and friends had advised us to plant introduced varieties as they thought those are more beautiful. Obviously no one ever turned up to contribute or volunteer.

As time passed by, we witnessed creation of a beautiful landscape. Amazingly in just 4 years, small saplings planted on bare land is developed into a thriving woodland complete with sturdy trees big enough for you to walk under, with few fresh fruits for you to eat, rich ground flora and a host of wildlife. The trees also kept the weeds under control. :)

These trees and flowering plants now attract lots of bees, butterflies and lots of birds. We also witnessed first flight of young birds from their nests in our garden. And yes, it is frequently visited by reptiles & mongooses as well. It is a habitat or home for them in the midst of concrete jungles.

So after that, we began to plant trees in other spaces allocated by Municipal Corporation. But this time, we can't say no one helped us. The space had one naturally grown Babool tree...a very good agroforestry tree. We just set a tree-guard around the tree, as it is a common tree felled by urbanites. The tree which can grow fast while fighting with thick cover of weeds must be saved!

And after six months, one fine morning I saw a sapling growing under that Babool tree. That's too of Semal tree! So Mother Nature lend us a helping hand. Semal being a tall tree, we kept both of them as they were.

Right now, we are working on two open spaces near our residential area. In our upcoming posts, we will share their progress with You. :-)

Gifting Trees... Turns ONE!

We all love everything that happens for the first time, don't we? The first day in school, first birthday tele-call, first love and so on.. :-)

Today is Gifting Trees...'s first anniversary and we are experiencing the similar feeling! Though I started the blog in September, it was exactly before a year when I first dedicated a couple of trees for an occasion.

It was when I visited a sanctuary, I saw a beautiful tree blooming in bright red flowers. I was amazed to see that beauty. 'Why do we prefer an introduced tree like Gulmohar instead of this?', the thought hit me at the moment. It was the Indian Coral tree. For the sake of enthusiasm, I got its pod. Unknowing what a lifeless looking pair of seeds could bring, I sowed them near my house. I just wanted a beautiful tree near my house. It was 5th May, 2010.

After a week or so, we found tiny delicate leaves emerging from the soil. The seeds were sprouting! I still remember that moment. I was so happy! It became my favourite pastime to stare at the 'new borns'. ;-)

As the days passed, I realized that growing those plants gave me a feeling of growing children and I started observing them, taking care of them and loving them! As I have dedicated them for an occasion, they became special for me. That is how the idea of Gifting Trees... took root!

Now after a year, both of saplings are growing joyfully and are nearly of 2 feet height. The journey from two lifeless appearing seeds to lively grown saplings was amazing indeed! In this one year, we are proud to say that we have planted (and grown) 29 saplings on different occasions (like birthdays, anniversaries etc) and protected 3 naturally grown (Acacia & Ziziphus) trees from felling by humans.

If only both of us could plant and protect 32 trees in a year and that's too while taking care of previously planted trees; imagine what All of us can do? Take an example of Nashik. Immaaagine what we 20 lac Nashikites can do?!

This is very lengthy process, we have just started walking and require support from You and have a firm belief that you will support us.

We all must be aware of the plant life on earth. We forget that it is vital to our existence. Without plant life, we have no life, we have no food & water and now it may be the key to our survival. As long as it survives, we survive... Nature is amazingly resilient and can adapt very well, she just takes a little push sometimes. So be the catalyst and do your part! Plant a native tree and protect it. As per one of the famous Chinese proverb, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is NOW! You will surely enjoy its priceless gifts!

Let us commit to the belief that trees are the critical element of a livable environment.

Do some trees really harm our environment?!

Well, unfortunately on a long term basis.. Yes!

The tree to be selected for plantation in a locality must be able to adapt to the area's climate, soil, topography and plant & animal life. But there are number of species of trees around us. Every species has its own way of performing various activities like getting their nutrition & water, growing, rooting, pollinating, multiplying, competing with other species & surviving..

There are trees which are useful to us. Some also have unique medicinal properties. Some trees are also preferred in farmlands as they are beneficial to the crops. On the other hand, there are trees which are troublesome, weedy or poisonous too.. That's the variety of Nature!! So which one should be selected for plantation and which one must be avoided?

And when we search the web for useful & multipurpose trees, we get more than 70% of trees that are not native to India. All of these claiming to be very useful even in Agroforestry in foreign countries. But this doesn't mean that we can also use & apply them in India while expecting the same returns. The foreign authors of the agroforestry articles/presentations are right at their place because they are studying and using their native trees. But for us, the case is different. Don't we have our own native agroforestry trees? Of course We do.. Remember, India has the second largest tree treasuries in the world. We just need to know about them :)

But before knowing what to plant, let us know what not to plant and why?!

One has to keep in mind that the introduced trees do not support our ecosystem. According to experts, these trees are driving away our wildlife. As these trees do not host birds or insects, they can not participate effectively in the food chain. Food chains or Food webs are the representatives of the relationships of living organisms in nature and are very essential for the balance of nature. Imagine, if we keep planting these non-native trees, our food chain is definitely going to disturb, so as our balance of nature. And if there will be no or very less native trees, where our birds, butterflies, insects will go then?

Its ridiculous to know that many of our native trees are much more high priced in nurseries than the non-native ones. And its not a proud thing at all. It simply suggests that in our region, the non-native & introduced trees are much more common than our own trees! Biggest misfortune is what I call it!!

Some also argue that we need these non-native trees to fight the ever-increasing global warming as they are fast growing and if we plant our native slow growing trees, then it will be difficult for us to fight back. Few days back, I met this interesting fellow who has spent his entire life serving the Forest Department. He also dared to compare Gulmohar & Banyan tree saying that after 5 years, which one will be big? After listening to him, I just asked, "And after 25 years, which one will be more useful to humans as well as wildlife?" My question was enough for him to change the topic! People tend to cuddle the immediate benefits and simply ignore the huge future loss..

Here are some trees which must not be included in tree planting campaigns..

Royal Poinciana or Gulmohar (Delonix Regia/गुलमोहर) is very common everywhere in India. You will not have any problem if you want to see the tree. It is native of Madagascar & Zambia.

It is a tree as good as plastic for wildlife. It has superficial roots and competes successfully with neighbouring plants. It is the tree which tend to fall easily during storms.

Copperpod (Peltophorum Pterocarpum/सोनमोहर) is not different from Royal Poinciana. It is native of Sri Lanka, Malesia & Australia. It is also native to Andaman islands of India. Thats the reason it is introduced to you as if its native to India. But actually, the atmosphere and flora & fauna of Andaman is quite different from India.

It has densely spreading canopy which retards the growth of other neighbouring plants.

Leucaena or White Babool (Leucaena Leucocephala/सुबाभूळ) is native of Mexico and Central America. Though it was introduced in India as a fodder & afforesting species, now it is considered unsuitable for urban plantation because of its tendency to get uprooted in rain & wind. Its foliage contains mimosine, toxic to ruminants if consumed in excessive amounts.

The tree has the potential to become a pest or rather, it has become one in India. It is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species Invasive Species Specialist Group of IUCN Species Survival Commission. Though locally known as Subabhul (Good Babool) due to no thorns, its actually a Kubabhul (Worst Babool).

Eucalyptus group or Gum trees (Eucalyptus spp./निलगिरी) are native of Australia. It is a widespread invasive water-sucker.

Many communities in India, Asia, Central America, the Caribbean and Africa are suffering from the long term damage caused by massive eucalyptus plantings. At first, most communities were content with having a tree. But the root system, barely under the surface of the soil, continued to widen into fields where farmers once grew crops. Farmers quickly discovered that eucalyptus trees are causing problems with their roots, taking all available water and nutrients from neighboring trees and crops. And their leaves are blanketing the ground inhibiting new growth. Eucalyptus trees inhibit the growth of other vegetation exposing soils to erosion, and cause lakes & ground water to disappear.

African Tulip (Spathodea Campanulata/रगतुरा) is native to Africa. It has the potential to become invasive.

It is not useful for avian-wildlife in India, nor is browsed by domestic animals. I have seen mass plantation of this tree even in a tourist place like Lonavala, as if we don't have our native ornamental trees. Or do we want our foreign tourists to know that We have bravely planted the trees which are not preferred for plantation near residential societies in its native countries also. It is said that African hunters make use of its nuts by boiling the centres and thus obtaining a poisonous liquid.

Silky Oak or Silver Oak (Grevillea Robusta/सिल्वर ओक) is native of eastern coastal Australia.

It is not resistant to persistent strong winds. This tree can become weedy or invasive according to the authoritative source USDI Geological survey. It is reported to become a pest in several countries. Its leaves produce an allelopathic substance which inhibits the establishment and development of other species. Also is a 'plastic tree' for birds.

Mexican Lilac or Gliricidia (Gliricidia Sepium/उंदीरमार) is one of the easily toppled species in strong wind. It is native to Mexico and Central America.

The tree is reported to lower the ground water level markedly. It also inhibit the new growth due to a thick cover of its leaves on the ground. The roots, bark & seeds are proven to be poisonous.

Rain Tree (Samanea Saman/पर्जन्य वृक्ष, गुलाबी सरस) is native to South and Central America.

It has umbrella-like wide spreading canopy and massive branching. It, therefore, inhibits development and growth of neighbouring plants. It has an extensive surface root system, which may interfere with agricultural activities or landscape maintenance. The seeds have been found to contain a toxic alkaloid, which may account for the occasional deaths of cattle which graze near the tree.

Blue Jacaranda (Jacaranda Mimosifolia/नीलमोहर) is same as Royal Poinciana. It is native of South America.

It is considered as an invasive species in many countries. It too acts as a plastic tree for Indian avi-fauna.

Australian wattle (Acacia Auriculiformis), as the name suggests, is native of Australia.

It is very weak tree as strong wind easily breaks its branches. It is considered as a threat to indigenous flora. Its fallen leaves make a thick carpet on the ground preventing development of other species. 

Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana) is native of Africa.

This tree has a rather invasive root system. It has a big fruit and the falling fruit can cause serious injury to people and damage vehicles parked under the trees.

Finally, one has to accept that No tree is perfect. So decision is yours now. If you plant and grow trees, its a good thing! But planting Native Indigenous trees is bestest!!!  The tree species that has been living in India from many centuries and endowing benefits not only to humans but also to wildlife & our ecosystem deserves the priority.

We do have many of beautiful, fast-growing, unique & multi-purpose trees that can be used in plantation campaigns.

Get ready to be acquainted with them...



An Initiative

So You want to heal the environment now.. You want to reduce the global warming.. You want to reduce the pollution caused by you directly or indirectly.. You want to see those sparrows near your house again.. And You want to plant a tree for a good cause.. A tree as a gift for someone You care for...

Well that's not the only thing which is expected from You!

Importantly, Trees that are planted or gifted must be Native to the area. Indigenous trees support the local Ecosystem. They hosts number of various birds, insects, bees, butterflies & squirrels. According to some experts, planting of trees such as Gulmohar, Luecaena or Eucalyptus, which are not native to India, are driving away the birds & insects. Because the flowers, fruits or wood of these plants is new to them and they are least interested in accepting these trees as their new 'food' or 'home'. The indigenous trees like Banyan, Peepal or Neem is what they prefer. There are number of Gifts we get from these Native Trees. In order to restore the biodiversity, we must plant multi-purpose trees to create conditions that allow the native species to thrive. I will also enlist some of the indigenous trees with their importance which may be helpful for you while choosing a tree for plantation.

Trees are most often defined as "a woody perennial plant of considerable size, usually over thirteen feet high, that has many secondary branches supported clear of the ground on a single self-supporting main stem or trunk with clear apical dominance."
So why am I calling these saplings a tree?!

Its because I hopefully want to see each one of them well grown in a Tree!!!

Usually, we prefer flowers when we give gifts, but Gifting a tree is a good idea on many levels. For one, they last longer than a bouquet of flowers. They are something that your friend or loved one can hold onto, cherish and care for in turn. And it’s really something that can be nurtured and taken care of over a course of time. This just isn’t possible with a bouquet of flowers. So for the more substantial friendship, you could say, you will want to give a tree, instead. :-) It’s a true sign of life, because it’s more alive than any cut stem could ever be!

What could be a better way to greet/honour someone or celebrate an occasion other than by gifting a tree? Well, it serves two purposes. First, giving a unique gift to our friends/relatives. Second & important one, as the gift is given by a person, he/she or the receiver tend to look after the planted sapling. I have seen many groups or individuals planting trees as if they have to make some kind of world record. But very very few of them bother to take care of the plant till it matures. Others just leave the plants to die. Its a pure waste of time, labour & precious saplings.

Trees can thrive even in critical conditions and that's why are frequently planted as living memorials. We often become personally attached to trees that we or those we love have planted. A living, breathing & growing gift that lives for several decades or even a century and significantly benefits us as well as the environment.

Trees are inspirational gifts conveying hope, growth & generosity. Gift & dedicate trees to people you would like to greet or honour..

Gifting the trees will transform lives of native wildlife species and human beings too, even where transformation is most critical. Trees are living symbols of hope for our existence on the planet & our future. They are living solutions for our people in need of food, water, clean air and environment protection in the face of increasing climatic instability..!

5th Sep 2010