News– Kerala has carried out India’s first science-based, community-led eradication of Senna spectabilis in Wayanad.
About Senna spectabilis
- It is an invasive tree species that forms dense, sterile thickets. These thickets suppress native vegetation, alter soil chemistry, and reduce food availability for herbivores.
- The tree has a broad, spreading crown and can grow to a height of 7–18 metres.
- It closely resembles Cassia fistula (locally known as Kanikkonna), which is the state flower of Kerala.
- The species is native to the tropical regions of the Americas.
- According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is classified as Least Concern.
