Research Article | Published: 31 December 2025

Invasive alien plant species and their socio-economic uses by rural communities in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India

Kuldip Singh Dogra, Youdhveer, Ritesh Kumar Singh, Kumar Ambrish, Bhagwati Prashad Sharma, Brajesh Meena and Sanjeev Kumar

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 48 | Issue: 3 | Page No. 211-223 | 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2025-CKH9W6 | Cite this article

Abstract

The present study documents the socio-economic uses of invasive alien plant species by rural communities in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 142 invasive alien plant species belonging to 110 genera and 45 families were documented. Asteraceae was the dominant family (30 species), followed by Fabaceae (13) and Euphorbiaceae (7). Herbs constituted the majority (62%) compared to trees, shrubs, climbers, and aquatic plants. Fifty-seven species showed high invasive potential, posing serious threats to native plant diversity. Socio-economic status of the traditional uses of invasive alien plant species revealed that around 41 plants have been used for medicinal purposes, > 39 for ornamental, > 32 for fodder , and > 18 for food purposes. It is also observed that alien plant species have created a havoc in the study area and drastically effecting the native plant diversity in the invaded habitats. These species need attention of the researchers to save the structure, composition and dynamics of the native habitats and species diversity.

Keywords

Alien, Invasive, Native habitats, Native species Traditional uses

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About this article

How to cite

Dogra, K.S., Youdhveer, Singh, R.K., Ambrish, K., Sharma, B.P., Meena, B. and Kumar, S., 2025. Invasive alien plant species and their socio-economic uses by rural communities in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Indian Journal of Forestry, 48(3), pp.211-223. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2025-CKH9W6

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 24 January 2025

Manuscript Revised on 15 December 2025

Manuscript Accepted on 22 December 2025

Manuscript Published on 31 December 2025

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