Common Name
Lantana, Common lantana, Curse of India, Kamara lantana
Scientific Name
Lantana camara
Family
Verbenaceae
Lifecycle
Perennial
Seasons of Growth
Year-round
Key Distinguishing Feature
Shrub with opposite leaves and clusters of colorful flowers
• Growth Form: Lantana is a woody shrub that can vary in size from a small subshrub to a larger, multi-stemmed plant. It often has a bushy growth form.
• Leaves: The leaves are opposite, rough to the touch, and have a distinct odour when crushed. They are typically dark green and serrated along the edges.
• Flowers: Lantana produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that are typically multi-coloured. Flower colours can range from yellow and orange to pink, red, or purple, and they often change as the flowers age.
• Fruit: The fruit is a small, berry-like drupe that contains seeds.
• Habitat: Lantana is commonly found in a variety of habitats, including open areas, grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed sites. It is native to the Americas but has naturalized in other regions, including Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Ecological Impact:
• Lantana is considered invasive in many regions outside its native range. It can form dense thickets, outcompeting native vegetation and altering ecosystems.
• The toxins in Lantana can be harmful to livestock that consume it, making it a concern for grazing areas.
Control Methods:
• Control of Lantana often involves a combination of mechanical, chemical, and cultural methods.
• Mechanical methods include cutting, pruning, or uprooting the plant to reduce its biomass.
• Herbicides may be used for control, but care must be taken to use them safely and effectively, following local regulations.
• Promoting the growth of desirable, non-invasive vegetation can help suppress Lantana's spread over time.
Lantana is a challenging invasive shrub that requires active management to prevent its spread and protect native ecosystems. Local agricultural and environmental agencies often provide guidance on the best control practices for this invasive species.
Key Products for Control:
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Envu Method - Aminocyclopyrachlor (present as the potassium salt)
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Indigo MetForce - Metsulfuron Methyl
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Indigo Rapid Fire 510 - Glyphosate (present as the isopropylamine salt)
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Indigo Rapid Fire 800 - Glyphosate (present as acid and ammonium salt)
