Plants and mushrooms

Lantana

Common name		Lantana
Botanical name		Lantana camara
Other common names		-
Family		Verbenaceae
General description		A variable species ranging from small compact garden specimens to larger weedy scrambling shrubs to 2m. The stems of the plant are square, often with prickles along the stem angle.
Flowers		Flowers are grouped in clusters at the end of a stalk. These clusters are about 3cm across. Each individual flower is a tube with four spreading lobes. The colour forms include red, pink, white, yellow or orange flowers. The different colour forms vary in toxicity.
Leaves		The leaves are opposite, with a serrated margin, 2.5–12cm long and 1.5–7cm wide, usually covered with stiff coarse hairs.
Fruit/Berries		The fruit are small berries, 6–8mm long, green when immature, becoming glossy black when ripe.
Other		The sap is clear.
Symptoms		Fatalities have been reported when berries were eaten. Symptoms are delayed several hours and may include vomiting, diarrhoea, laboured breathing, dilated pupils, lethargy and weakness. Respiratory irritation has been reported by workers clearing Lantana sites. Dermatitis can occur after contact with the leaves and stems.
Toxicity category		1, 2, 3, 4
Warning		Lantana has been declared a Class 3 noxious weed in Queensland. Seek urgent medical attention if any part is ingested.