The Vanishing Green: Kerala’s Native Plants Under Threat
Kerala, known for its lush greenery and rich biodiversity, is facing a growing ecological concern—the displacement of native plants by exotic and invasive species. This shift not only disrupts the natural balance but also threatens the state’s cultural and ecological identity.
Shri M.R. Hari of Crowd Foresting, recent video sheds compelling light on this issue by reflecting on the statue of the great poet Kumaranasan in Thiruvananthapuram. While Kumaranasan celebrated Kerala’s native flora in his works, the poet’s own statue now stands surrounded by exotic palms instead of the indigenous plants integral to Kerala’s natural heritage. This powerful visual metaphor points to a larger pattern of ecological displacement happening across our landscapes.
The problem of invasive species is significant in Kerala’s forests and urban areas alike. Studies have identified dozens of alien invasive species in the region, such as Acacia mearnsii and Chromolaena odorata, which aggressively colonize native habitats, suppress indigenous plants, and alter soil chemistry. These changes lead to loss of biodiversity, increased soil erosion, and disruption of ecosystems.
Native plants hold immense ecological and cultural value. They support local pollinators and wildlife, maintain soil and water health, and uphold the traditions intertwined with Kerala’s natural environment. Losing them means losing a vital part of Kerala’s identity and resilience.
This growing concern calls for collective awareness and action. Reflecting on your own surroundings, have you noticed native plants disappearing? What native species do you remember from your childhood? Understanding and restoring Kerala’s native vegetation is key to securing a greener, healthier future.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/6JH-Y7hGgBs?si=H7kxGR69TIXOKuo5
To understand this issue more deeply, watch Shri M.R. Hari Chettan’s insightful video that contextualizes this ecological challenge through a poignant cultural lens.
Let this be a reminder that preserving native plants is preserving Kerala itself—from its past, present, and future.
From the Idea Factory / Kochattante Kolayi,
Pusthakagramam, Perumkulam, Kerala
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