Lantana camara L. (sensu lato): an enigmatic complex

By

Goyal, Neha
Sharma, Gyan

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2015

Original Publication

NeoBiota : advancing research on alien species and biological invasions

Volume

25

Pages

15-26

Subjects

Control , Genetics , invasive , species complex , taxonomy

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sophia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.25.8205

 

Abstract

Lantana camara L., considered among the world’s worst invaders is in identity crisis and contentiously referred as Lantana camara L. (sensu lato). Taxonomic ambiguity in L. camara L. (sensu lato), a species complex is one of the grim caveats behind incompetence of its management efforts. Recognizing the extent of variability within the complex, we aim to highlight the need to circumscribe its composition to bring effective management and control efforts into practice. There is a need for clear terminology to examine weedy, naturalized and/or invasive complex constituents that have been placed under the contentious umbrella of ‘L. camara L. (sensu lato)’. The time is ripe for invasion ecologists, cytogeneticists and conservationists to collaboratively focus on disentangling the complex and integrate their knowledge and expertise into management and control programs.