"The most important factor in survival is neither intelligence nor strength but adaptability.-Charles Darwin"
Initially brought to India in 1807 as an ornamental plant at the National Botanical Garden, and as an ornamental hedge plant in Calcutta in the early nineteenth century, it escaped and spread out across open areas along road sides, railway tracks, edges of crop fields and open forests all over the country. Now, it has become completely naturalized and found throughout India.
Due to its wide ecological tolerance it occurs in diverse climates, habitats and alters the nutrient cycle of the soil whereby competing with native plants for space and resources. It is now considered an invasive species of concern in India.
All of nature helps the spread of lantana. Its nectar filled flower clusters (called umbels) attract a number of butterflies and bees which aid pollination, its is berries are relished by frugivores such as bulbuls which aid seed dispersal whilst its poisonous leaves are avoided by herbivores.
Lantana with blue-banded bee
Sony A77ii
Tamron 90f2.8 DI 1.1 Macro,
f/9, 1/125s, ISO160, diffused flash
Home, Kahun Road, Pune(India)
Aug 2020