The polka dot plant , first reported in Khempagang village of Tading Gewog in October last year, has spread to five more gewogs in Samtse. Recognising the serious threat posed by this invasive species, the National Plant Protection Centre conducted a one-day awareness programme in Tendu on Wednesday during the International Biological Diversity Day. According to the National Plant Protection Centre, the polka dot plant has spread to several gewogs in Samtse, including Tendu, Tashichhoeling, Norgaygang, Ugyentse, and Sangngagchogling.
To curb its further spread, the centre in collaboration with the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority and the National Biodiversity Centre, held an awareness programme to inform local residents and stakeholders about the characteristics of the polka dot plant, its impact on agriculture and the environment, and effective management strategies. Many residents attending the awareness programme initially mistook the invasive plant for a simple flower and were unaware of the effective methods to eradicate it. “Initially, we thought this plant was an indoor plant because it looked beautiful.
However, we later noticed that wherever this plant grows, nearby vegetables and crops, like maize, do not grow well. We have tried uprooting and disposing of it, but it seems to grow back,” said Abhishek Subba, a resident of Tendu Gewog. “We thought this was a flower and left it to grow.
However, as time passed, the plant spread all over our houses. Even cattle do .
