What is Lantana camara and why is it an invasive species?

Lantana camara is a flowering plant originating from the Americas that aggressively invades and suppresses native vegetation, earning its classification as one of the world's worst invasive species.

How are communities in Tamil Nadu dealing with Lantana?

Communities in Tamil Nadu are repurposing Lantana's woody stems into furniture, home décor, and sculptures, creating economic opportunities from the invasive weed.

When was Lantana camara declared a major invasive species?

The International Union for Conservation of Nature declared Lantana camara one of the world's worst invasive species by December 2000.

Home / Environment / Silent Invasion: The Invasive Lantana's Reign

Silent Invasion: The Invasive Lantana's Reign

26 Dec

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Summary

Lantana camara, a flowering plant, aggressively suppresses other vegetation.
Its toxins harm livestock, yet its seeds are dispersed by animals.
Tribal communities now repurpose Lantana into economic goods.

Silent Invasion: The Invasive Lantana's Reign

A silent invasion by the plant Lantana camara is currently underway, impacting tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions worldwide. This once-charming flowering shrub, originating from Central and South America, was introduced globally in the 17th century for its ornamental appeal. By the 19th century, it had escaped cultivation, aggressively spreading and suppressing native vegetation through chemical releases and resilience in poor soils.

Despite decades of control efforts, including manual removal, burning, herbicides, and the introduction of natural enemies, Lantana has proven incredibly difficult to eradicate. By December 2000, it was classified as one of the world's worst invasive species by the IUCN. Its aggressive growth, toxicity to livestock, and efficient seed dispersal by animals have cemented its status as a significant ecological challenge.