Lantana

Lantana is a genus of about 150 species of perennial flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. They are native to tropical regions of the Americas and Africa but can be found around the world in tropical and subtropical environments. Lantana plants are well-known for their vibrant, multicolored flowers, which can appear in various combinations of red, orange, yellow, blue, and white. These flowers are small and tubular, often clustered in umbels and are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

The scent of lantana flowers is quite unique and can vary somewhat between species and individual plants. Generally, lantana's fragrance is described as slightly pungent, a mix between sweet and spicy, with herbal undertones. Some people find the scent pleasant, while others may regard it as somewhat sharp and overpowering. This variation in opinion about the scent may be due to the presence of essential oils and other volatile compounds in the flowers.

In addition to ornamental use, some species and parts of Lantana camara, a common type, are used in traditional medicine, although it is important to note that many parts of the plant, particularly the berries, are toxic if ingested. In gardening, lantana is popular due to its high tolerance to drought and heat, making it an excellent choice for sustainable landscapes in suitable climates.