Lantana

A small evergreen shrub in the vervain family, native to Central and South America. The Japanese name 'Shichi-henge' ('seven-changes') refers to the way flower colors shift from yellow to orange to red as the flowers age. Popular as an ornamental, but considered a major invasive species worldwide. Naturalized in warm regions of Japan.

Identification Points

• ✓Small flowers clustered in dense spherical heads
• ✓Flower color changes yellow → orange → red as flowers age
• ✓Opposite ovate leaves with serrated margins, pungent when crushed

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionクマツヅラ科 →