The lantana is a central and South American bush that grows well in Maltese soils and is often planted in gardens and public areas.

It is commonly known, both in English and Maltese, as lantana but it is also known as the Spanish flag, West Indian lantana and the red or yellow sage. In the US, it is popularly known as ham ‘n’ eggs or bacon ‘n’ eggs because of the yellow and pink inflorescence.

The lantana is indigenous to Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela as well as in the state of Texas in the US. In many tropical and sub-tropical countries where it has been introduced, it has become a serious pest and is invading agricultural land to the detriment of farmers. It is not an invasive species in the Maltese islands but it could become one, especially if the ongoing change in climate creates a suitable habitat for it to propagate and spread.

The flowers of the lantana are rich in nectar and attract many insects, especially butterflies, moths and bees, and the plant is often planted in butterfly gardens. In parts of India the stalks are used to make household furniture while the smaller branches are tied together to make brooms.

Lantana is also used in herbal medicine. Leaf extracts are said to have antimicrobial, fungicidal and insecticidal properties. The plant is slightly toxic and animals can become ill after eating it. Its berries are edible although they are toxic when still green.

The leaves are known to have antimicrobial, fungicidal and insecticide properties and have been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as cancer, skin itches, leprosy, rabies chicken pox, measles, asthma and ulcers.

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