Lantana: A Vibrant And Vigorous Bunch
Hello Weekly Whorlers! This week we Locate Lantana. Maybe you've heard of this one, maybe you haven't, but the pollinators love it and so do we! These chameleon-like little clusters of flowers are well worth a closer look, so lets get down to it.
How We Got Here: The History Of Lantana
Lantana, originally hailing from the tropical Americas, like places in the Caribbean and Northern South America, has found its way across the world and into our hearts. As part of the Verbena family, the word Lantana itself is believed to come from the Latin "lentus" or "flexible" referring to the pliable nature of the Wayfaring Tree, which it was originally thought to be related to.
It wasn't until the 17th and 18th centuries when it was brought back to Europe and quickly became an ornamental delight. The Victorian Craze led to extensive selective breeding and hybridization, creating the vast cultivars we know today. From there, it was sent off to colonial territories across the world to be used in gardens, parks, and hedges.
Due to its hardy nature and high seed production, it has, in some places, escaped cultivation and become an invasive weed. It has taken over disturbed areas and in places like Australia, it was established in the wild within 20 years of introduction!
Interesting Uses And Meanings
Lantana, in its native lands, was traditionally used for various medical ailments. Parts of the plant were used to make infusions and tonics that helps with upset stomachs, wounds, fevers, and respiratory issues.
Interestingly, in some regions, farmers found the plant useful for its high potash content and its ability to suppress other weeds from popping up, however, the leaves can be toxic to some grazing livestock.
In Victorian Floriography, Lantana was often said to symbolize rigor, vigor and endurance. Its stunning and colorful flowers are associated with vibrant energy, passion, and creativity. Due to the changing nature of the flowers it can also mean transition or change and multiplicity.
Did You Know?
There is a town called Lantana in Florida.
The national flag of Saint Maarten has Lantana featured on it.
It is a pollinator paradise, attracting many insects and birds.
Lantana is tough as nails, and can grow in high heat and drought conditions.
Its flowers change colors as they mature.
The leaves have a strong pungent aroma, when brushed or crushed.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Lantana. The next time you see a little cluster of cute flowers in different shades of pretty, take a closer look and see if you Located Lantana!