Bawal/બાવળ/बावळ

The Bawal/બાવળ/बावळ, a shrub native to South America and the Caribbean, grows aggressively in hostile climate conditions which Kutch provides. It is very commonly seen in Kutch and is difficult to miss. It was introduced to the Banni grasslands bordering the rann 50-60 years ago to check the spread of the Little Rann. The Banni grasslands are home to thousands of cattle and other animals. Soon the Bawal spread unrestricted over the grasslands. Its leaves are toxic to animals, its wicked thorns hurt hooves and its seed pods dislocate jaws of the the native cows. Perfect conditions for an imbalance - there's not enough food for grazing, the native cows are dwindling in numbers and another breed of buffaloes are taking over, the native bird demographics are changing because they don't know how to chase and prey in the thick non-native shrub, and because of the aggressive growth the native plants are under threat.

The plant has been around for quite long now and is so widespread that sudden eradication measures may come with serious problems of their own.

Looking at how widespread this alien plant today is all over Kutch and Saurashtra, it is easy to realise that we are all part of an ecosystem, a perfect balance of flora and fauna achieved over thousands of years. A seemingly small attempt to tweak nature can throw things off balance, and ironically we pin our hopes on nature itself to restore the balance in some way.

In the photos - a thicket of the Bawal and the injurious thorns of the plant that were stuck in my hard soled shoe.

Ganda Bawal/ગાંડા બાવળ - the crazy plant - that is what it is known as. Growing and thriving uninhibited!