The bashful plant (Mimosa pigra L.), an invasive weed, covers more than 1,200ha of the Tri An Reservoir in Dong Nai Province, threatening the reservoir’s ecosystem and water source, according to a recent survey of the Vinh Cuu Heritage and Nature Reserve Zone.
The bashful plant (Mimosa pigra L.), an invasive weed, covers more than 1,200ha of the Tri An Reservoir in Dong Nai Province, threatening the reservoir’s ecosystem and water source, according to a recent survey of the Vinh Cuu Heritage and Nature Reserve Zone.
The plant - named because it folds up when touched - dies and decays, it releases a toxin called mimosin that kills some fauna and flora species, said Tran Van Mui, director of the reserve zone.
The Tri An Reservoir, which covers more than 320sq.km and provides water for the Tri An hydroelectric plant, also supplies water for 14 million people in the southeast provinces.
The plant, originally from the
The province had struggled to destroy the invasive plant, Mui said.
Previously, there had been a project to plant cajeput trees in the reservoir area to deprive the plant of growing space. However, the project came to an end when officials realised the trees were adversely affecting other flora species as well, Mui said.
The bashful plant lives in semi-inundated areas, making it impossible to destroy it with chemicals because the chemicals will damage water sources and human health.
(Source: VNS)
