Water Hyacinth

Water Hyacinth is an ornamental aquatic plant, introduced to India by British in 1900s. Now if you think any lakes overpopulated by weeds, mostly it is by these invasive plants. These are free floating plants and with green glossy thick leave and 6 petals lavender colored flowers. These can double their population in a fortnight!

Most of the birds lay eggs on these leaves thinking that can support the eggs, but it does not! If not controlled, Hyacinth will cover lakes and blocks water flow, blocks sun light and reduce oxygen in water thus killing aquatics and imbalances natural lifecycle in manmade lakes. Kerala backwaters, Bellandur Lake are notable examples.

Per a survey conducted by Bangalore University, Bellandur Lake contains highest level of heavy metals. This is due the Hyacinth has a capacity to absorb Cr, Cd, Co, Hg and Ni.

If utilized judiciously industrial water pollution can be controlled. This improves nitrification of soil. These are used for cattle food, bags, ropes made from fibers and biogas production.

These can be controlled by herbicides or plant shredding machine and BBMP is spending huge tax payer’s money to conserve the lakes.

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Native trees

Native species are those that occur in the region in which they evolved. Plants evolve over geologic time in response to physical and biotic processes characteristic of a region: the climate, soils, timing of rainfall, drought, and frost; and interactions with the other species inhabiting the local community. Thus native plants possess certain traits that make them uniquely adapted to local conditions, providing a practical and ecologically valuable alternative for landscaping, conservation and restoration projects, and as livestock forage. In addition, native plants can match the finest cultivated plants in beauty, while often surpassing non-natives in ruggedness and resistance to drought, insects and disease. 
Ex: Mango, Amla, Champka, Arjuna, Jamun, Chandana, bel, Shivani, Guggula etc...

Singpore Cherry tree

Gasagase mara or commonly known as Singapore cherry is native of Central America.
These fast growing trees now commonly adapted on road sides in India due to its wide shade area yet grown shortly up to 30 feet which adapts to various soil conditions and draught resistant . More people like for its car parking shade in Bengaluru :). The fruit attracts sparrows, flower peckers, bee eaters and fruit bats. Children enjoy ripened red fruit throughout the year.
The tree associated with its place and hence the name Singapore cherry or Panama tree or Jamaican cherry
The fruits are commercial crop in South America and used for tea, juice, Jam, antiseptic etc.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus or Fever tree or Gum tree is an Australian native and varieties count for 700 and more. Has been used commercially and in medicines since 1800 due to Britishers introducing outside Oz. Introduced in India by Tippu Sultan on basement of Nandi Hills, 1790 and in 1843 introduced at Nilgiri hills, Tamilnadu.

It has excellent remedy for respiratory related illness along with properties of anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-oxidant and expectorant properties. Eucalyptus is used as infusion tea with medical supervision. Children under age 6 should not be consumed internally.

Many Indian state governments promoted during 1960-80 to meet demand for paper industry and replacing low value natural forests. These grow very fast in years and send vast network of roots and used in marshy areas to reduce swamps and thus, Malaria. Wood has great value as fire woods and Australia is famous for its forest fires due to these.

Lots of researches were done in 1984 near Hosakote for beliefs and summarized as
-No depletion in water table due to Eucalyptus
-Does not consume more water than a typical tree
-Slight reduction in soil nutrition
-Due to monoculture, affects bio diversity and wild life.

Contrary to above, Karnataka government has passed bill in 1984 to plant in barren lands only due to concerns by farmers and to plant in area with 500-750mm rainfall.