Hammock shrubverbena (Lantana canescens, F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 259 (1818))

Family: Verbenaceae

Author: Kunth

Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 259 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lantana

Vegetable: False

Observations: Texas to Trop. America

Description

Hammock shrubverbena, known scientifically as Lantana canescens, is a notable plant species that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. First described in 1818 by the meticulous botanist Kunth, alongside esteemed collaborators F.W.H. von Humboldt and A.J.A. Bonpland in the expansive work “Nov. Gen. Sp.,” this species captivates with its intricate beauty and wide distribution.

Thriving in regions extending from Texas to tropical parts of America, the hammock shrubverbena is adapted to a diverse range of habitats. This resilient plant showcases the incredible adaptability and ecological versatility typifying many members of the Verbenaceae family.

Its name, ‘canescens,’ hints at some of this plant’s distinctive characteristics, typically involving a fine, grayish or whitish, often downy or hairy, appearance. This aspect adds to its visual appeal and may play a role in its environmental adaptation strategies.

As with many lantana species, hammock shrubverbena likely contributes significantly to local ecosystems, providing habitat and food sources for various pollinators and other wildlife. Its presence across such a vast geographical range underscores its ecological importance and adaptability.

Understanding the hammock shrubverbena aids in appreciating the rich biodiversity of the Americas. Acknowledging the meticulous documentation of Kunth and his colleagues helps us appreciate the history and scientific focus that has brought us contemporary botanical knowledge.

Common Names

Eng: hammock shrubverbena
En: Hammock shrubverbena

Synonyms

• Lantana aristata var. cabrerae (Moldenke)
• Lantana microcephala (A.Rich.)
• Camara canescens ((Kunth) Kuntze)
• Camara microcephala ((A.Rich.) Kuntze)
• Lantana lamiifolia (Otto & A.Dietr.)
• Camara lippioides ((Spreng.) Kuntze)
• Lippia pallescens (Benth.)
• Lantana canescens f. pluripedunculata (Moldenke)
• Lantana canescens f. parvifolia (Moldenke)
• Lantana canescens f. grandifolia (Moldenke)
• Lantana canescens var. integrifolia (Moldenke)
• Goniostachyum citrosum (Small)
• Lantana citrosa ((Small) Moldenke)

Distribution

• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Aruba (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Florida (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Sergey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by Christophe Maillard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Wim Forceville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 26, 2022 by Lari (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Ann Yetman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Sergey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Riesco Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Sab Ah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2022 by Lourenço Kassien (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Makoto Makoto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by covaidee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2022 by Ronan Gamero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by Christophe Maillard (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by LuB (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by galopilou loup (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Marwan Ghajar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by darpan rout (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2925332)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:863236-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lantana canescens Kunth)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth