Lantana
camara
Lantana
camara
Web page created by: Claire Erlacher
Family: Verbenaceae Scientific Name: Lantana camara Common Name: Lantana
The Lantana plant can be found among the diverse selection of plants
in
Georgia
Southern University's Teaching Greenhouse. Lantana is the
genus of more than 150 shrubs. The Lantana camara is the most
common species of Lantana; however, numerous other species such as the
Lantana alba, Lantana depressa, and Lantana furcata
exist.
<-- click here to visit a web site
that will provide a list of names of other species of Lantana.
Habitat:
The Lantana is an invasive plant that originated
in 
Central and South America. However, a few species
of Lantana are native to Africa
and Asia. Today, the Lantana is often found in botanical and home gardens
across the globe. It is widely used as an ornamental bush; however,
it often escapes as a weed and inhibits the growth of other species of
plants. The Lantana grows well in dry areas because it prefers well
drained soil and it can tolerate drought.
Description: The Lantana camara is
a small thorny flowering shrub with square stems. The ovate leaves
attached to the shrub's stems are opposite, coarsely serrated, and deeply
veined. The Lantana is an angiosperm with rings of sepal encircling
clusters of eight or more tubular flowers. The flowers are arranged
in dense flat topped heads measuring about 1 to 2 inches
in
diameter. The flowers can be found in colors of purple, orange,
yellow, red, and pink. The youngest flowers are usually pale shades
of color, and the older flowers are usually darker colors such as red or
orange. The Lantana remains covered with flowers from spring to
fall. It can grow to a maximum of 6' high and may spread 8'
across the ground. Lantana's can tolerate both humid and dry heat but
cannot live below 28 degrees Farenheit. Lantana's are capable of surviving
mild fires because they regenerate from the basal shoots. The Lantana
is a perennial; therefore, it grows back every year and requires low maintenance.
Reproduction: The colorful flowers of the Lantana are very attractive to butterflies and honeybees. These insects rely on the nectar of the Lantana and other similar plants for survival. The butterflies and honeybees aid in pollinating the plants as they spread the pollen from one plant to the other. Once the Lantana is fertilized it protects its seeds in a small and shiny purple or black drupe. Frugivorous birds assist in dispersing the fruit. Lantana's may also reproduce asexually using cuttings taken in the summertime.
Unpleasant Characteristics:
The Lantana camara releases a
very unpleasant
aroma. Also, Lantana's are characterized as invasive plants.
Invasive plants escape cultivation and grow in unwanted areas often
inhibiting the growth of other species of plants.
Human Uses: The Lantana has been used to treat ailments such as the common cold, chicken pox, chest cold, fever, flu, fresh cuts, sores, toothaches, and inflammation. Click on the ladybug to view a list of ailments the Lantana is used to treat :
(Click here) --->
Who to Contact For Further Information:
I am not a Lantana expert. My knowledge is limited to what I have posted on this webpage; however, if you have any questions or concerns about this web page please click on Indiana Jones to e-mail me:
If you have any questions or concerns about the Teaching Greenhouse or the plants within the greenhouse email your questions to: Dr. Lissa Leege
Click on the GSU Eagle symbol to visit
Georgia Southern University's home page:
Links
to the web pages where I obtained most of my information on the Lantana
camara:
** Perennials - Lantana camara
** Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)
** Research and Extension News: Six More Plants
** The Families of Flowering Plants
