Distribution and habitat

L. camara is naturalised in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia, New Zealand, Central and South America, West Indies and Africa.

Flowering and fruiting habits

It is a short vigorous shrub growing up to 2-4 meters in height. Leaves are ovate, 2-10cm long, 2-6cm wide, alternate, bright green, rough, hairy. The stems in cultivated species is non-thorny and in weedy varieties, with prickles. Lantana can climb to 15 m with support. Flower heads contain 20-40 flowers, usually 2.5 cm across, colours vary between white, orange, pink purple and red. Fruit is greenish blue-black, 5-7mm in diameter, shiny with 2 nutlets.

Uses other than pesticidal

Medicinal – Herbal medicines with antimicrobial, fungicidal, insecticidal and nematicidal properties.

Fuel- firewood for cooking.

Food for birds – Many birds including endangered ones feed on lantana thickets. Butterflies and moths also feed on it.

Ornamental- It is popular as ornamental plants in pots or as hedges rendering favourable trade.

Propagation and cultivation

Highly invasive and damaging to local habitats; not to be cultivated or propagated. Simply collect from abundant existing sources.

Seed collection & Storage

Highly invasive and damaging to local habitats; not to be cultivated or propagated.

Parts used

Leaves, flowers

Preparation

Dry and grind

Often layered whole plants in storage, occasional stirring to release volatile compounds

Uses

Can be used both pre and post-harvest.

Target organisms

Against broad range of insects

Mosquito and fly repellent

Post-harvest beetles