Lantana, Kongini flower- the traditional flower of Kerala
Lantana is a genus of about 150 species of perennial flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. They are native to tropicalregions of the Americas and Africa but exist as an introduced species in numerous areas, especially in the Australian-Pacific region. The genus includes both herbaceous plants and shrubs growing to 0.5–2 m (1.6–6.6 ft) tall. Their common names are shrub verbenas orlantanas. The generic name originated in Late Latin, where it refers to the unrelated Viburnum lantana.
Lantana's aromatic flower clusters (called umbels) are a mix of red, orange, yellow, or blue and white florets. Other colors exist as new varieties are being selected. The flowers typically change color as they mature, resulting in inflorescences that are two- or three-colored.
"Wild lantanas" are plants of the unrelated genus Abronia, usually called "sand-verbenas".
Photos by: Prabeeshnayar
a plant at Thrissur is more than 2 meters high and has flowers similar to that of prabeenayar. It does not have many leaves, but more of leafless branches. Maybe because of the wall and house that blocks sunlight. Can this plant be used to grow creepers like Sathavari? Vinod Kumar, Thrissur
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