Galapagos Species Database

Taxon category: Accepted

Syn.: Lantana armata Schauer

Taxon origin: Introduced - established

Preference for an altitude zone in Galapagos: Dry zone - transition zone

Habitat preferences: Grows as a weed on cultivated land, fence lines, pastures, rangelands, and waste areas. Thrives in both dry and wet areas. Often found growing in valleys, mountain slopes, steep, rocky rangelands, and coastal areas. Capable of flowering year-round in warm regions. Found in arid lowlands and moist uplands in Galapagos.

Trophic role: Primary producer

Reproductive biology: Begins to flower at 2 years of age. Seeds are dispersed by birds and rodents.

Growth form: Shrubs

Distribution origin: Central America

Mode of introduction: Intentional

Introduction Pathway: Intentional

Subpathway: Agriculture/Horticulture

Introduced status: Naturalized

Invasive status: Invasive

Impact in Galapagos: On Floreana it is a serious problem for the native forest, hills, and agricultural area.

Impact elsewhere: Known as invasive in many parts of the world for agricultural and natural ecosystems where they invade and displace native plants.

Control methods elsewhere: Biological: The species has been the focus of many biological control projects, but most have not been successful because in most cases, plants are hybrids or of unknown origin. Mechanical: Seedlings should be pulled manually. Chemical: Juveniles and adults should be treated with herbicide.

Year of first record: 1977

Map of specimen collection localities or observation records for this species in our collections database.

Distribution: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, extensive distribution on Floreana, limited distribution on Isabela, originally from Central America.

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