Lantana

Lantana Overview

Lantana is a genus of about 150 species of perennial flowering plants, including both herbaceous plants and shrubs. Also known by the name Shrub Verbena, these plants are from the Verbenaceae family. Lantana's aromatic flower clusters are a mix of red, orange, yellow, or blue and white florets. The distinctive spherical flowerherads typically change colour as they mature, resulting in inflorescences that are two- or three-coloured. Lantana enjoy full sun or partial shade and moist, well-draining soil, originating from tropical climates, they don't cope well with freezing temperatures. Some species are invasive, and are considered to be noxious weeds, such as in South Asia, Southern Africa and Australia. Some plants especially Lantana camara, contain pentacyclic triterpenoids that cause hepatotoxicity and photosensitivity when ingested by grazing animals such as sheep, goats, bovines, and horses. This has led to widespread livestock loss in the United States, South Africa, India, Mexico, and Australia. Highly toxic to humans if ingested.