Lantana Camara - A Beautiful Poison or a Pungent Cure?

Lantana is a very common plant in my neighborhood that we usually ignore and treat it as any common weed.

Just recently though, while I was walking along the road, I can’t help but appreciate their colorful flowers. It was morning back then and sunrays that is being reflected on the morning dew made if even sparklingly beautiful.

This made me stop to take a few photos of the colorful flowers as I pass by.

At some point along the way, the morning dew was already dried by the sun. They still look beautiful so I still took some photos.

Unlike most flowers where their colors are usually the same, the flowers of a lantana have different colors. I think this is what made them looking beautiful on their own.

Lantanas are Poisonous

According to some articles, all parts of the Lantana are poisonous. This report states it can kill animals and even children can be poisoned if they eat the berries.

I don’t know about how really poisonous a lantana is, but I clearly remember that we played and wrestle this plant when we’re kids. That is how I know that it stains and smells terribly bad. And yup, I also remember our mother being mad at us for doing so. She must had been shocked to see her kids looking like a marine. LOL.

So far, I’ve never heard of anyone in our town being poisoned by this plant.

Lantanas have Health Benefits

In contrary, some documents in the web says that Lantanas have health benefits and may even cure tuberculosis. In fact, in some towns near where I live, they do make a tea out of its leaves and flowers. They drink it as they believe it can cure and also has some benefits.

I was surprised at first to hear that some people do actually drink a tea out of a Lantana. I mean, it smells terrible, I am sure that the taste is the same.

Actual Uses

I don’t know if lantanas do really have some health benefits. But, I would rather err on the side of caution until some more studies would be done.

Natural Fence

The most common use of lantana that I usually see is being used as a fence. People plant them around their yards. The lantana with its dense leaves acts as a wall and covering for their yard. The denseness, smell, and probably the thought of being poisonous, discourages any person and most animals from cross it.

Notice in the above photo the side of a house that uses this plant as a natural fence and cover.

Ground Covers

Similar to acting as a wall, another common and effective use I’ve seen is their use to prevent soil erosions.

A portion of the side of the road where a number of lantanas, along with other plants, are being used as ground covers.

Closing Words

I don’t know if Lantanas are really that poisonous nor I don’t know if they do really have some health benefits. But I would err on the side of caution and don’t advice making a tea out of it. Unless, of course, there is a thorough study that backs it up.

For me, I just love their amazing colors.

This is all me for now.
Till next time.

All photos, unless otherwise credited, are my own. Feel free to use any of it as long as you credit them to me and don’t sell them.
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