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 coloniz...