The lantana is native to Central and South America. The plant is exceptionally adaptable and spreads rapidly. It grows in both moist and relatively dry locations and thrives in full sun as well as in the shade. Lantana can tolerate temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius and even survives forest fires unscathed. The plant was first introduced to Europe around 1800 because of its beautiful flowers and later to other regions of the world. It has since become naturalized and has displaced the native flora in some areas of South Africa, Australia, New Caledonia, Hawaii, and the Galápagos Islands.
