Lantana, scientifically known as *Lantana camara* Linn., is commonly referred to as Common Lantana in English. It belongs to the family Verbenaceae and is part of the genus *Lantana*. This plant is also known by a wide variety of local names, such as Wumeimei, Shandandan, Dahongxiu, coral ball, dragon boat flower, smelly gold phoenix, wishful flower, dim flower, seven change flowers, ruyi grass, soil safflower, smelly peony, insect flower, Maohua flower, smelly cold wind, bluegrass, stinky grass, colored flowers, five thunderbolts, wall wind, wild eye dishes, colorful flowers, safflower, and sister flower.
Native to tropical America, *Lantana camara* is widely cultivated in gardens across Nanjing and Shanghai in China, and it can also be found growing wild in southern China. The plant has a strong, unpleasant odor. Its leaves are ovate or ovate-elliptic, measuring 3–9 cm in length and 1.5–5 cm in width, with serrated edges and hairy surfaces on both sides. The peduncle is 1–3 times longer than the petioles, while the bracts are acicular and pubescent. The calyx is tubular with very short teeth at the top, and the corolla comes in various colors, including yellow, orange-yellow, pink, and dark red. The florets are typically orange-yellow or orange, and they may turn red or white after blooming, which is why it's called "Wumei" (meaning "smelly plum"). The fruit is spherical and turns blackish-purple when mature.
*Lantana camara* is an erect shrub with multiple branches and stems. The leaves are ovoid and have a slightly rough texture. The flower heads form a conical shape, starting with yellow blooms that gradually change to orange, red, and finally pink. In addition to being cultivated for ornamental purposes, this plant serves as a nectar source for pollinators. It has a long flowering period and produces a significant amount of nectar. Additionally, its roots, leaves, and flowers are used in traditional medicine. However, it is important to note that *Lantana camara* is toxic. There have been several reported cases of poisoning in Hong Kong, particularly involving children, which can lead to severe health issues or even death.
The plant thrives in sunny, warm, and humid climates. It is adaptable, drought-resistant, and can grow well in loose, fertile, well-drained sandy loam soils. It is not cold-tolerant. *Lantana camara* is an evergreen, semi-climbing shrub that can reach heights of 1–2 meters. Its branches are quadrangular, and the leaves are opposite, ovate or ovate-oblong, with a slightly wrinkled surface. The flower heads are axillary, and the corolla ranges from yellow to orange, pink, or dark red. Flowering occurs from June to October.
Propagation can be done through sowing seeds or using cuttings. In traditional medicine, the root is used to treat persistent fever, rheumatism, mumps, and tuberculosis. The stems and leaves are used to wash scars and treat dermatitis. Fresh flowers can be decocted to help with abdominal pain and vomiting, while the flowers and leaves can be applied to bruises and wounds.
It has calming and antipyretic properties, helps improve blood circulation, and stops bleeding. It is used to treat conditions such as lung phlegm, hematemesis (vomiting blood), headaches, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, eczema, and bruising. The root is particularly effective in treating persistent fever, rheumatism, mumps, and tuberculosis. The stems and leaves are used for washing scars and treating dermatitis.
However, the leaves and unripe fruits of *Lantana camara* are toxic. Ingestion by humans or animals can cause chronic liver damage, leading to symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, unsteady gait, shortness of breath, coma, and jaundice. In case of poisoning, inducing vomiting is a recommended first aid measure.
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