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Lantana invasion: An overview
Author(s) -
SHARMA GYAN P.,
RAGHUBANSHI AKHILESH S.,
SINGH JAMUNA S.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
weed biology and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.351
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1445-6664
pISSN - 1444-6162
DOI - 10.1111/j.1445-6664.2005.00178.x
Subject(s) - lantana camara , lantana , biology , invasive species , biological dispersal , introduced species , ecology , native plant , habitat , biodiversity , range (aeronautics) , biological pest control , population , materials science , demography , sociology , composite material
We review the key features of Lantana ( Lantana camara L.), an invasive plant species considered to be among the world's 10 worst weeds. Lantana occurs in diverse habitats and on a variety of soil types, and its spread is encouraged by animal activities and by human disturbances, such as cultivation, road construction, and changes in fire regimes. Lantana is morphologically distinct in the different regions of its invasive range compared to those regions in its native range. The biological attributes contributing to the success of Lantana as an invader species include: fitness homeostasis, phenotypic plasticity, dispersal benefits from destructive foraging activities, widespread geographic range, vegetative reproduction, fire tolerance, better competitive ability compared to native flora, and allelopathy. Mechanical, chemical and biological options for the eradication and control of Lantana are available. It is emphasized that ecosystem‐level consequences of Lantana invasion, particularly on the biodiversity of native flora, are little understood and studies are needed to fulfill this knowledge gap.