Conocarpus Tree

This is a tree with a strong root system and a large leaf area. The tree will anchor the banks and prevent erosion. The large leaf area will lose large amounts of water to evaporation. If the water is contaminated, it will be filtered through the root system. If the water it is planted next to is a scarce resource it will cause water shortage.

This tree spreads and so it will force out indigenous species and cause lack of biodiversity. Bird and insect populations will be affected. If no birds exist they can be introduced as this tree has good nesting and food propagation capability. The answer needs careful evaluation by an ecologist for a specific location as there are no generalities when sensitive environments are planted with an alien plant.