Lantana

Lantana camara

NEMBA category

English: Lantana, Bird’s Brandy, Cherry Pie, Tick-berry

Afrikaans: Gewone Lantana, Gomdagga

Xhosa: ubutywala bentaka

Zulu: ubukhwebezane

Shona: sumba

Lantana camara, commonly known as Lantana or Tick Berry, is a highly invasive shrub native to Central and South America. It is characterised by its rough, hairy stems, aromatic, dark green leaves, and clusters of small, multicoloured flowers that range from yellow and orange to pink and purple.

Despite its attractive appearance, it is one of the most problematic invasive species in South Africa, forming dense thickets that out-compete native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and disrupt ecosystems. It spreads rapidly through seed dispersal by birds and mammals, as well as vegetative reproduction, and thrives in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and riverbanks.

Its toxicity to livestock and ability to alter soil chemistry further exacerbate its impact, making it a significant threat to agriculture and natural environments.

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Origins: Tropical America

Overall Appearance: A vigorous, shrubby plant with a sprawling or climbing habit that reaches from to 2-4 meters tall and spreads rapidly to form dense thickets.

Leaves: Opposite, simple, ovate to triangular leaves. Rough texture with toothed margins. Often have a distinct, slightly unpleasant odour when crushed.

Flowers: Small, tubular flowers arranged in dense, rounded clusters. Flowers can be a variety of colours, including pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, and white. Often have multiple colours within a single flower head. Blooms throughout the year in suitable conditions.

Fruits: Small, round, fleshy drupes that turn black when ripe.

Seeds: Numerous, small seeds that are readily dispersed by birds.

Bark: Young stems are often green and somewhat succulent. Older stems develop a woody, greyish-brown bark.

Wood: Woody, but not typically used for timber.

Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor and rocky soils.

Aspect: Full sun to partial shade.

Poisonous Parts: All parts of the plant are toxic to livestock and can cause serious health problems in humans.

Birds Attracted: Attracts birds that consume the fruit, such as bulbuls and doves.

Insects Attracted: Attracts butterflies and other pollinators to the flowers.

Mammals Attracted: Some mammals may consume the fruit, but it can be toxic to them.

Provinces Affected: Widespread throughout South Africa, particularly in warmer regions.

Note: Lantana camara is one of the most serious invasive weeds in South Africa. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and alter ecosystem processes. It can also poison livestock and pose a health risk to humans.