Context:
Tamil Nadhas launched one of India’s largest invasive-species eradication drives, aiming to completely remove Senna spectabilis from all forest divisions by March 2026.
About Senna spectabilis
Definition: Fast-growing, yellow-flowering tree of the legume family (Fabaceae); ornamental and shade tree; now a highly invasive alien species.
Origin:
oNative to South & Central America – Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela.
oIn India, invasive in Nilgiris, Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, Anaikatty, and other Western Ghats ecosystems.
Habitat:
oDry to moist deciduous forests, disturbed woodlands, savannahs, well-drained soils.
oPrefers full sunlight, adapts to poor soils, spreads easily through seeds.
Key Characteristics
- Height: 7–18 m, with dense spreading crown.
- Flowers: Bright yellow; Pods: 15–30 cm, with many hard-coated seeds.
- Leaves: Exhibit nyctinasty (close at night, open at dawn).
- Traditional Uses: Fuelwood, ornamental planting, shade, small implements.
- IUCN Status: Least Concern.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
