Lantana

Lantana is a genus of the Verbenaceae family with more than 100 species, mostly American. It comprises 314 described species and of these, only 131 accepted.

Description

It does not usually exceed 2 m in height. Leaves opposite, oval, toothed, rough. Inflorescence in corymbs. There are numerous varieties depending on the color of their flowers (red, yellow, red and yellow simultaneously, purple, blue, white, etc.) and also taking into account their size. Leaves and fruits (while still green) toxic, when ripe they are usually devoured by birds, which are the most common means of propagation in their natural state. Flowers with a peculiar and penetrating smell, during a great part of the year. Invasive plant in certain parts of the world (Australia).

Cultivation

Requirements: They adapt to all types of soils if they are healthy. They resist drought very well. Exposure to full sun. They live for several years, but in areas that are too cold it is cultivated as an annual plant. The most commercially important variety is Lantana camara, with generally red and yellow flowers.

Pruning: They can be heavily pruned, recovering quickly.

Phytosanitary control: Because it is toxic, it is not usually devoured by herbivores or very attacked by parasites or diseases. Red aphid.

Reproduction: By seeds, or better by cuttings at the beginning of spring, having to obtain them from the branches that have already become wood.

Uses: The lantana is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plant, due to its fast growth and its abundant and cheerful colored flowers for much of the year. Some species are used to attract butterflies or to encourage honey bees, and others (in India) for handicrafts (as an alternative to bamboo).

Taxonomy

The genus was described by Carlos Linnaeus and published in Species Plantarum 2: 626. 1753. The type species is: Lantana camara L.

Selected species

• Lantana alba Mill. (white cowboy)
• Lantana bamara L. (Cariaquito colorado)
• Lantana camarara L.
• Lantana canescens Kunth (romanceta)
• Lantana depressa
• Lantana involves L.
• Lantana montevidensis (Salvia de Uruguay) Spreng.
• Lantana sellowiana
• Lantana trifolia L.

• 

  Lantana montevidensis

• 

  Lantana camarara

• 

  Lantana trifolia

• 

  Lantana camarara 'flava'

Common names

• Spanish flag (in Spain), Lantana (in the United States), cuasquito (in Nicaragua), carriaquillo (in Puerto Rico), Cariaquito (in Venezuela), five negritos (in El Salvador), the word of women (in some regions of Mexico), filigree (in Cuba).