Question

Which of the following stands for Congress grass?
A. Cynodon (Gramineae)
B. Parthenium (Compositae)
C. Aspidistra (Liliaceae)
D. Candytuft (Cruciferae)

Answer 1

Hint:Congress grass is an invasive weed species brought from American regions to India. It is called congress grass as it was brought along as contamination of a wheat species during Congress government rule. The wheat was of low quality and thus its trade seems controversial.

Complete answer:An invasive species is one that is not native to a region. It is usually introduced from its native land to a new land. These species result in negative effects on the environment of the new habitat in which they are introduced. Many of the species have been introduced in Indian habitats in previous decades that turned out to be invasive.
Parthenium hysterophorus, a member of the aster family or Asteraceae sp. or Compositae family is a flowering plant that is native to the American tropics. It was first introduced during the rule of the Congress government in India. It appeared as an invader as it was a contaminant in wheat imported from America. The weed later turned out to be an invasive species that can grow on disturbed land, including roadsides. It can infect pastures and farmland becoming equally dangerous for all flora and fauna. It is also dangerous for humans. It leaves the soil where it grows infertile.
It is a harmful weed for humans as it can lead to many skin and respiratory allergies. It can also cause eczema and asthma. It propagates very rapidly through the wind. Thus, the spores in wind enter the human body causing infections.
Hence, Parthenium hysterophrous stands for Congress grass. So, option B is correct.

Note: A single plant of Parthenium can produce 25,000 to 30,000 seeds. One of the control measures for these weeds is Invasivorism. It is a movement that uses the idea of eating invasive species. This act controls and reduces its growth. The invasive species have also been used by chefs as alternative ingredients.