The beautiful flowering shrub that is both a global pest and a furniture material

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Lantana is a genus of roughly 150 species that captivates gardeners with its shifting, multi-colored blooms. Yet, this same plant is a notorious invasive weed across the globe, toxic to livestock, and notoriously difficult to eradicate. Its complex ecological footprint ranges from supporting bird habitats to causing significant agricultural damage.

Native to the tropical Americas, the genus Lantana has spread aggressively into regions including Australia, India, and Southern Africa. Its success as an invasive species is largely due to its chemical defenses; the leaves contain pentacyclic triterpenoids that are toxic to most herbivores, including sheep, goats, and horses. This toxicity has caused widespread livestock losses in countries like Mexico, the United States, and South Africa. While birds readily consume the fruit and distribute seeds, the plant's impact on local ecosystems is nuanced. In some Australian urban greenspaces, Lantana provides essential refuge for birds like the superb fairy-wren, though excessive density can eventually reduce overall species richness.

Efforts to control the spread of Lantana through biological means have largely struggled. In Australia, approximately 30 insect species were introduced to curb the plant's growth, but many failed to make a significant impact. Some, like the lantana bug introduced in 1995, became pests themselves by attacking related horticultural plants. Because total eradication is often impossible, experts suggest that simply removing plants with immature green fruit can help limit their spread. The edibility of the berries remains a point of contention among experts, with some arguing they are safe when ripe while others warn that both unripe and ripe berries are potentially lethal.

Beyond its status as a weed, Lantana holds surprising utility. In the MM Hills of Karnataka, India, tribal communities utilize the plant to craft roughly 50 types of furniture. This material is prized as a durable, termite-resistant alternative to cane and bamboo. Furthermore, the plant serves as a honey source for pollinators and is used by certain weaverbirds to decorate their nests. The ability of a male weaverbird to procure these decorations is even considered an indicator of his fitness to potential mates, highlighting the plant's deep integration into the lives of the species it inhabits.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

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