Lantana camara

HABIT: Lantana camara is a perennial shrub that typically grows up to 2-6 feet (60-180 cm) in height. It has a dense and bushy growth habit with multiple branching stems. The leaves are opposite, simple, and have a rough texture. They are usually ovate or elliptical in shape and measure around 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) in length. The leaf color varies depending on the cultivar and can range from dark green to variegated shades of green, yellow, or purple.  The flowers are small and arranged in clusters called umbels. Each umbel consists of numerous tubular-shaped flowers. The flower color is highly variable and can be a mix of red, orange, yellow, pink, or white. In some cases, multiple colors can be present in a single cluster. This variation in flower color adds to the plant's ornamental value.  The fruits are small, fleshy drupes that turn from green to dark purple or black when mature. These fruits are not typically consumed by humans but may be eaten by birds, which aid in seed dispersal.

CONSERVATION STATUS: Least concern.

MEDICINAL USES: The traditional use of plant extracts in folk medicine includes their application in the treatment of various conditions such as cancers, chicken pox, measles, asthma, ulcers, swellings, eczema, tumors, high blood pressure, bilious fevers, catarrhal infections, tetanus, rheumatism, and malaria. Additionally, these extracts have been employed to alleviate skin itches, act as wound antiseptics, and externally treat conditions like leprosy and scabies. Moreover, the leaves of this plant have been recognized for their potential as antitumoral, antibacterial, antihypertensive, tonic, and expectorant agents. The fruits have been found to be beneficial for treating fistula, pustules, tumors, and rheumatism, while the roots have been traditionally used to address malaria, rheumatism, and skin rashes (Rana, S. K., Chakraborthy, G. S., Mazumder, A., Das, S., Sodhi, G., Kumar, K., & Kumar, P. (2019). A review of Lantana Camara, A herbal medication with diverse clinical pharmacology.).

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: Cultivated as an ornamental plant, serving as a bee forage for honey production, utilization in traditional crafts such as basket weaving, acting as a natural dye source, and being used as an insect repellent or natural insecticide in some cultures. In some African cultures, Lantana camara is used in rituals and ceremonies for spiritual purposes. Certain indigenous tribes in India have used Lantana camara extracts for medicinal purposes, including treating snakebites and alleviating rheumatic pain.