India: Parthenium hysterophorus - Santa Maria feverfew

Soumyabrata Roy

Santa Maria feverfew (Parthenium hysterophorus), also known as carrot weed, whitetop weed, famine weed or congress grass, is native to tropical America, a highly invasive weed that poses a significant threat to the Indian ecosystem and human health was introduced to India in the 1950s through seed shipments. Its aggressive growth and allelopathic properties (releasing chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants) lead to reduced crop yields and biodiversity loss. Additionally, Parthenium is a known allergen, causing contact dermatitis and respiratory issues in humans and livestock. A Santa Maria feverfew (Parthenium hysterophorus) plant was observed bearing flowers in a locality at Tehatta, West Bengal.