Summary Biological invasion is now a major threat
to global biodiversity. As one of the worst invasive
weeds in the world, research on various aspects of
Mikania micrantha H.B.K. is increasing over the
years. The plant was introduced in India after the
Second World War and its profuse growth in Kerala
and Assam over the years affected forests and tea
plantations causing damage to the ecosystems and
economy of the country. Since the 1980s it has started
to spread and invade other Indian states and there is
an urgent need to map and monitor the spread of this
plant. This paper reviews the worldwide research trend
over the years, the current status of the weed in India
and reports the presence of this plant in an urban city
like Kolkata in India.
Keywords Mikania micrantha, worldwide
research, spread in India.