Ecology, biology, impacts, and management of Ageratum Conyzoides

Abstract

Ageratum conyzoides L. (Billy Goat Weed; Asteraceae) is an aromatic herbaceous Plant native to tropical America, but is now widely distributed in many tropical and subtropical countries (Kong et al., 2004). Though introduced intentionally due to its ornamental value, its rapid spread has resulted in its and throughout the world, spreading from its native range to all other areas, including South its South East Asia (Kohli et al., 2006). In India, A. Conyzoides was introduced as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers, but has escaped across various habitats as an invasive weed throughout the country, particularly in Indian Himalayan Region and Western Ghats (Dogra et al., 2009; Aravindhan and Raiendran, 2014). Its spread has caused an ecological havoc to the indigenous floristic composition.