Island pinhole borer a nightmare for invasive 'manja konna' trees

SENNA spectabilis, or the 'manja konna', an invasive tree species that invaded the forests of Kerala, especially Wayanad, and nearly eradicated the flora over the years, has finally met its match.

- K S SREEJITH @T'Puram

The species is under massive attack from the 'Island pinhole borer' (Xyleborous perforans), an insect that has turned nature's ally. It bores holes into the trunk of the Senna trees and lives inside, ultimately leading to their destruction.