Perception and knowledge of native people on exotic plant species in the Bargarh district of Western Odisha, India: A case study

Abstract The present study was based on both bibliographic sources and the survey to the documentation of exotic plants in Bargarh district, western Odisha, India. A total of 75 species belonging to 65 genera and 34 families are reported. Asteraceae family contributes the highest number of species (13), six species were from Amaranthaceae; five species each from Leguminosae and Poaceae; four species of Euphobiaceae; three species each from four families viz. Convolvulaceae, Malvaceae, Onagraceae, and Verbenaceae; two species each from six families i.e. Arecaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Capparaceae, Lamiaceae, Portulacaceae, Solanaceae; one species each from rest 19 families. Out of 75 species, a total of 42 species are native to Tropical America; five species are native to Mexico; each of three species to America; each of two species to Africa, Brazil, Europe, the Mediterranean, and South America; each of one species to Australia, Central America, China, Madagascar, Malaysia, North America, Pantropic, Peru, South America (1824), South America (17th cent.), Tropical West Asia, Tropical Africa, Tropical America (Bf1824), Tropical South America, and West Indies. The uses of exotic plants for various purposes as indicated by the native peoples are discussed here. The present study gives complete and efficient documentation of exotic plants in the Bargarh district of Western Odisha that will provide a tool for the maintenance of the local biodiversity. Some plant species such as Alternanthera sessilis, Borassus flabellifer, Cassia tora, Cleome gynandra, Datura metel, Gomphressa globosa, Sida acuta, Zinnia elegans, etc. may have potential as medicinal plants.