As Colorful as the Camara

"Nothing brings to life again a forgotten memory like fragrance."
- Christopher Poindexter

I used to pick some of the native kinds of these plants that can be found on our roadsides and I hastily give it to anyone as a prank during my preschool days for many individuals really hated its smell. They even gave it a name "utot-utot" which means "fart" in English.

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Lantana Camara is a perennial, erect or prostrate shrub propagated as hedge plant that comprises of various medicinal and practical usages. The stalks are utilized as raw material for paper pulp used for wrapping, writing and printing paper while its bark is used as an astringent and ointment for leprous ulcers and other skin epidemics. Its leaves are simmered and smeared for swellings and other pain of the body. Lantana contains alkaloids which have been found to invigorate intestinal activities in animals used for laboratory experiments, it also aids to lower blood pressure and hasten deep respiration.

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Leaves are ovate in shape with serrated blades, oppositely arranged that feel like fine sandpaper or a cats tongue when touched. When crushed or rubbed, it releases an aroma that you may find unpleasant.

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Lantanas’ uncontrolled population may cause a certain negative impact on our natural ecosystems, by forming in creek banks and roadsides that can accumulate garbage that can’t be seen during disposal. Based on reports, there are children poisoned by consuming the unripe fruit of lantana. It is also thought that lantana prevents the growth and development of other plants nearby due to its allelopathic substances that can be found in shoots and roots.

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Lantana will often dominate other more desirable species, resulting in a lessening of biodiversity due to its capability to develop dense thickets that can greatly reduce the productivity of farmland when left unaided.