Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae): An invasive plant

Lantana camara is a highly invasive shrub native to Central and South America, now widespread across nearly 60 tropical and subtropical countries. This invasive species exhibits a wide range of morphological characteristics, including woody stems with recurved prickles, rough leaves with fine hairs, and clusters of fragrant flowers in various colors. L. camara thrives in diverse habitats, including open areas, forest edges, and agricultural lands, but is susceptible to frost and low temperatures. It has significant ethnobotanical importance for its medicinal properties, but its invasiveness threatens native ecosystems, altering trophic levels and outcompeting native species. An attempt has been made to review the morphology, habitat, ecology, invasiveness, association with flora and fauna and management to check the overgrowth of the plant species and threatens the native flora. Management strategies include mechanical uprooting, burning, herbicidal application, and biological control using natural enemies. Understanding the ecological and biological characteristics of L. camara is crucial for developing effective management strategies to mitigate its impacts on native ecosystems.