Lantana camara’s allelopathy and toxicity turn invaded lands into biodiversity deserts

Key facts

• Lantana camara grows in a notoriously aggressive way, releasing chemicals into the soil that suppress other vegetation.
• Its leaves, flowers, and berries contain toxins that make them harmful to livestock.
• The plant’s roots dig deep into the soil and spread wide in search of water and nutrients.
• A fine coat of resin on its leaves slows down water loss, letting it thrive even in the poorest soils and through the hottest and driest days.