[Flower Language] Lantana ~Small Flowers Reflecting Change~

Hello.
I am Rio, a writer who enjoys finding color in everyday life.

During the late summer, when colorful flowers have become scarce, I suddenly found a vibrant color in a corner.
Small flowers blooming as if huddled together, shining like scattered colorful jewels... it is the Lantana.
It continues to bloom for a long time from spring through summer, and because it gradually changes its color from yellow or orange at the start of blooming to red or pink, it is also called "Shichihenge" (Seven Transformations).
The transition of its colors is as if the changes of the seasons were captured within these small flowers.

This time, I will introduce the flower language imbued in such colorful appearances,
along with photos taken with my iPhone.
Please enjoy this as if you were taking a stroll.

1. Flower Language of Lantana

"Strictness," "Agreement," "Cooperation," "Solid Planning," "Change of Heart"

2. Origins of Lantana's Flower Language

① "Strictness"
Lantana flower clusters are made of small flowers gathered neatly to form a round, orderly shape. The flower language "Strictness" was born from this regular appearance. It originates from its form, which feels orderly even while being in nature.

② "Agreement"
Although each one is a small flower, they bloom while maintaining harmony by gathering in the same cluster. Because they show diverse colors while forming a single flower shape as a whole, the flower language "Agreement" was given.

③ "Cooperation"
This originates from the appearance of each petal working together to form a vibrant, round flower cluster. It represents how flowers that are not noticeable on their own create beautiful scenery by cooperating.

④ "Solid Planning"
This comes from the characteristic that the colors change in stages from the beginning to the end of blooming. Showing an orderly change rather than a chaotic one is seen as "planned," and this flower language was born from that.

⑤ "Change of Heart"
From the characteristic that the color changes from yellow to orange, red, and pink as it blooms. The shifting hues are likened to the fickleness of the human heart.

3. Basic Information on Lantana

[Blooming Season] Around May to October
[Family/Genus] Verbenaceae, Lantana genus
[Varieties] Lantana camara / Trailing Lantana / Many others including dwarf and creeping varieties
[Scientific Name] Lantana camara
[Enjoyable Colors] Yellow, orange, red, pink, white, purple, etc. (Characterized by colors changing within the same flower cluster)
[Other Names] Shichihenge (Seven Transformations), Lantana camara

4. A Little Bit of Information about Lantana

① Flowers that butterflies visit
Lantana is rich in nectar, and swallowtail butterflies and small butterflies love to visit it. When it blooms in gardens or on roadsides, the charm is that you can enjoy the sight of small seasonal creatures along with the flowers.

② Color transitions reflect the seasons
The way the flower colors change little by little from yellow to orange, red, and pink is as if the sunlight and the changing seasons were reflected within the small flowers. It is a joy that you never tire of, even if you look at it every day.

③ Japanese name "Shichihenge"
In Japan, this color change has been called "Shichihenge" (Seven Transformations). Perhaps people in the past were also captivated by the mysterious color transitions of these small flowers.

④ Hardy and long-blooming
It continues to bloom for a long time from spring to autumn and does not lose to the strong summer sun. It is a reliable plant that adds vibrancy even during times when there are few other flowers.

⑤ Sometimes viewed as a problematic invasive species globally?!
Lantana has very strong reproductive power, and in warm regions, it can become a weed and push out native plants. It is even monitored as an "invasive alien species" in places like Australia and India. The gap between its cute appearance and this fact is an interesting point.

6.The leaves have a unique scent
The flowers are lovely, but the leaves have a slightly unique smell when touched. This is said to have an insect-repellent effect, and in the past, it was sometimes used for medicinal or folk purposes.

7. The fruit is poisonous
The fruit, which ripens to a reddish-black color, looks delicious at first glance, but the fruit and leaves are toxic and can cause diarrhea or vomiting if ingested. While considered harmful to humans and livestock, birds eat them without issue and spread the seeds, which is why their distribution spreads so easily.

In conclusion

Lantana continues to bloom as small flowers huddle together, gradually changing color.
Its appearance seems to quietly reflect the changing seasons.
If you happen to come across it on the roadside or in a corner of a garden, it is a presence that gently adds color to your daily life. Vibrant yet somewhat simple, Lantana will likely bring you a small opportunity to enjoy the coming seasons.

Thank you for reading until the end.