About being cultivated species, it is considered as an invasive species in the Nilgiris.
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Yes, Ligustrum lucidum (Glossy Privet) is found in the Nilgiris, where it is recognized as an invasive species.
Status in the Nilgiris- Invasive Presence: While often introduced as an ornamental tree, it has naturalized and is now invading natural areas within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Ecological Impact: It is known to spread rapidly, forming a dense canopy that prevents the growth of indigenous grasses and trees, which reduces the food base for local herbivores like gaur and deer.
- Identification: It is frequently compared with the Nilgiri Privet (Ligustrum perrottetii), a smaller native species. L. lucidum is distinguished by its larger (8–17 cm), glossier leaves.
- Wider Context: It is part of a broader group of invasive "exotics" in the region—alongside Lantana camara, Senna spectabilis, and Eucalyptus — that the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and local organizations are actively working to manage.
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Regards.
Dinesh