Lantana

Lantana Facts

• Firstly, Lantana serves as the collective name of a large family of stunning flowering plants. Furthermore, the family contains roughly 150 species, all of which classify as perennials.
• Most notably, the members of the large group all evolved in a certain portion of the world. Human actions have, however, introduced many of the plants to other regions of the world.
• Yet, certain types of Lantana are quite invasive since most varieties spread rapidly. Furthermore, many experts rate their natural growth rate as absolutely remarkable.
• Finally, the leaves remain toxic to most animals, But, one of the few mammals capable of feeding upon them is the Swamp Wallaby. Animal foraging, therefore, does not slow the spreading of the seeds.

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Lantana Physical Description

Most notably, and quite distinctively, the various forms of Lantana include both shrubs and trees. So naturally, physical appearances and descriptions vary among species, sometimes significantly.

But, certain factors remain constant. Firstly, these herbaceous plants range in height from 1.6-6.6 ft (0.5-2 m). They also grow in a variety of colors which include bright orange, red, yellow, white, and blue.

Further, and interestingly, the blooms themselves generally change color as they mature. As a result, the inflorescences often display two or sometimes even three different colors simultaneously.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Verbenaceae
• Genus: Lantana

Lantana Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Many of the different forms of the marvelous Lantana evolved as endemic to Africa. However, the rest of them developed naturally in the more tropical regions of North and South America.

Given its quite wide distribution, it therefore thrives in a variety of habitat types. But, most of these include temperate forests, coastal regions, tropical forests, and also mountainous regions.

Also,some birds prefer to use the flower in decorating their nests. In these species, the male who provides the most colorful nest is the one most suitable for mating. Therefore, the dazzlingly colorful Lantana is a plant valuable to the preservation of several bird species.

Finally, many types of birds consider the fruits to be a delicacy. So, naturally, they feed on the fruit and spread the seeds.

Species Sharing Its Range

     Jabuticaba                       Bald Uakari                     African Penguin

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