Lantana camara, commonly known as lantana or the “flower of the wise,” is a popular ornamental plant celebrated for its vibrant colours and resilience. Native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, it has found its way into gardens across the globe, including the renowned Au Bois Vert botanical garden in Ivato, near Antananarivo.
A hardy perennial shrub, Lantana camara can grow up to two metres tall. Its evergreen foliage features serrated leaves with a slightly coarse texture. What truly sets lantana apart is its striking floral display: clusters of small, tubular flowers that shift colour as they mature—often transitioning from yellow to pink, orange or red. This kaleidoscope of hues not only adds charm to gardens but also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, making it a great option for environmentally conscious landscaping.
Beyond its visual appeal, flower of the wise is highly tolerant of challenging conditions such as drought and poor soil. Well suited to tropical and subtropical climates, it is often used for soil stabilisation or as a natural hedge. However, in some regions, it can become invasive and must be carefully managed. At the Au Bois Vert hotel and restaurant botanical garden, this plant highlights the delicate balance of local ecosystems and helps raise visitor awareness about environmental issues in the Ivato region.
Plant use
Lantana camara offers a wide range of practical and decorative uses, making it a valuable addition to green spaces such as botanical gardens, hotels, and even eco-lodges like Au Bois Vert in Ivato. As an ornamental plant, its vibrant flowers bring colour and life to both public and private gardens. Thanks to its ability to form dense, hardy shrubs, it is particularly well-suited for hedges and borders. In dry regions or nutrient-poor soils, it plays a crucial role in preventing erosion and boosting biodiversity by attracting pollinating insects. In more domestic settings, lantana is often grown in pots to brighten up balconies and terraces. Its medicinal properties are also recognised in several tropical countries, where its leaves and flowers are used in traditional remedies. Scientific research is currently exploring its potential as a natural antiseptic and in the treatment of inflammation. However, its medicinal use must be approached with caution, as all parts of the plant contain compounds that can be toxic if not handled properly. At the Au Bois Vert restaurant, where nature and gastronomy are closely intertwined, lantana is often highlighted in conversations about sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Featured in the botanical garden of Ivato, the plant helps raise awareness among visitors about its ecological significance, while also enhancing the garden’s charm just a short distance from Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo.
Key information
| Common name | Flower of the wise |
| Scientific name | Sansevieria trifasciata |
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Natural habitat | Tropical and subtropical regions |
| Life cycle | Perennial in tropical climates |
| Flowering period | All year round in warm regions |
