A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF AN INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES: VERBESINA ENCELIOIDES (CAV.) BENTH. & HOOK. F. EX A. GRAY

An introduced, non-native, exotic, or alien species are those that grow in areas outside of their natural habitats. They get introduced deliberately or accidentally into new areas by anthropogenic activities or naturally through water, wind, etc. In non-native areas, these species invade rapidly due to the non-availability of natural enemies (prey) in a new habitat. Therefore, these fast-spreading exotic species are called invasive alien species. Verbesina encelioides, an invasive species of the family Asteraceae, is introduced from the United States and started to invade many arid or semi-arid regions. It is commonly known as ‘Golden crownbeard’. The weed is used as a source of traditional medicines by the indigenous people. Some researchers investigated its toxic, allelopathic, antimicrobial and nematocidal properties. Its phytochemical analysis has shown the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, phenolic compounds, sterol, etc. The pharmacological studies showed this plant’s antibacterial, antitumor, antifungal, antiprotozoal and hypoglycemic potential. Attempts have been made to cover various aspects related to V. encelioides in this review article.