🌱 Natives vs. Invasives: Why Your Garden Choices Matter
A Gardener’s Guide to Ethical Choices, Native Species, and Invasive Threats
As the monsoons approach, it's the perfect season to start your gardening journey. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a budding plant parent, now’s the time to think beyond aesthetics—your plant choices directly impact local biodiversity, climate resilience, and the environment.
🌿 What Are Native Plants?
Native plants are species that have evolved in a specific region and coexist with local wildlife. They’re naturally adapted to local climates, require less maintenance, and are crucial for supporting pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects.
Examples of Native Plants:
🌾 India & Asia
Indian Aloe (Aloe vera) – Medicinal uses
Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii) – Culinary essential
Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis) – National tree of India
Neem (Azadirachta indica) – Natural pesticide
🌍 Nigeria & Africa
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas) – Low maintenance indoor plant
Baobab (Adansonia digitata) – Iconic tree rich in nutrients
Shea Tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) – Source of shea butter
🌸 Why Native Plants Matter
✅ Support Local Wildlife: Provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and birds.
✅ Eco-Friendly: Adapted to local conditions = less water, fertilizer, and effort.
✅ Culturally Significant: Used in traditional medicine, food, and rituals.
✅ Climate Resilient: Withstand droughts and heavy rains with ease.
🚫 What Are Invasive Species?
Invasive plants are non-native species that aggressively spread, disrupting ecosystems. While not all non-natives are invasive, all invasive species are non-natives.
🌱 Common Invasive Plants in India & Nigeria:
Lantana camara – Displaces native vegetation
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) – Clogs water bodies
African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) – Threatens native fish
Touch-me-not (Mimosa pudica) – Common weed, not indigenous
These species often arrive through global trade or travel and outcompete native plants, reducing biodiversity and altering natural habitats.
🔧 How to Control Invasive Plants
Mechanical Removal – Uproot, mow, or burn (carefully).
Chemical Methods – Use selective herbicides under expert supervision.
Biological Control – Introduce natural predators like insects or grazers.
Ecological Restoration – Replant natives, improve soil, and manage water wisely.
🤔 What Can You Do Ethically?
Even if you’re unknowingly growing invasive plants (I am guilty too!), here’s how you can act responsibly:
1. Educate Yourself
Use plant ID apps like Google Lens to learn which plants are invasive in your region or learn about various plants in your balcony. It makes me happy when people tell me I inspired them to start gardening because of me, it really pushes me to write more articles like these. So keep them comments coming and subscribe to my blogpost to get more of these in your inbox.
2. Follow Local Guidelines
India’s Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and Biological Diversity Act (2002) regulate invasive species. The WPA empowers authorities to regulate the import, trade, and possession of invasive alien species, while the BDA focuses on conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable use of biological resources, indirectly addressing the threat posed by invasive species.
3. Be a Responsible Plant Parent
Avoid introducing invasive plant species to the wild.
For example, avoid throwing invasives in a drain or on the unpaved grounds of your house. These plants can thrive in the harshest of conditions and grow aggressively doubling and tripling in the next 6 months! I speak from experience.
Choose native or non-invasive species.
Be selective in your choice of plants, yes they might not be conventionally as beautiful but they offer more benefits. For ornamental appeal, there are other natives to look at, because once an invasive is in your balcony, it can outcompete the others with seeds dispersal.
Dispose of invasives by solarizing (super dry them in the sun), burning, or deep bagging before they seed.
For a full list of invasive species in India, visit: nbaindia.org IAS List
💚 Whether you’re growing Tulsi or Tomatoes, being mindful of your garden choices supports ecological balance, honours local traditions, and makes you a true steward of the earth.
Stay rooted, You got this!
Monica Fatogun
🌿 The Nature Nymph
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