Lantana camara, commonly known as lantana, is a flowering plant native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. It has been introduced to many parts of the world, often as an ornamental plant, but has become invasive in many regions, leading to significant ecological impacts. However, it also has potential benefits that can be harnessed through bioprospecting.

This book aims to provide a comprehensive examination of L. camara, the plant known for its dual identity as both an invasive species and a source of valuable bioprospecting opportunities. The book delves into the ecological impact of L. camara, exploring its role as an invasive species, the challenges it poses to native ecosystems, and the strategies for managing its spread. Simultaneously, it highlights the plant's potential benefits, particularly in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and environmental remediation. This dual focus will offer readers a balanced perspective on L. camara, underscoring the need for nuanced approaches to both its control and utilization.

Provides an in-depth analysis of the ecological impact of L. camara as an invasive species Explores the potential benefits of L. camara in medicine, agriculture, and environmental sciences Offers a balanced narrative considering both the challenges and opportunities presented by this plant

Autorentext

Moonisa Aslam Dervash, obtained her Ph.D. from Division of Environmental Sciences, SKUAST-K, India. Her specialization is in environmental monitoring, environmental awareness, ecology, soil biology, wetland restoration, and carbon sequestration. She has authored 7 books with International publishers, has published more than 60 scientific research articles/book chapters in the journals/books of international reputation. She is recipient of many prestigious awards and felicitations for her dedicated accomplishments. Her focus has remained on many facets of society especially on environmental conservation and women empowerment. She has been felicitated by state government (J & K Department of Ecology. Environment and Remote Sensing) for her outstanding contribution in mass environmental awareness and conservation through electronic media. So far, she has extended nine years of dedicated service towards Environmental Awareness and conservation through a weekly radio programme "Soun Aoundh Pukk" on All India Radio (2015 till date). She was recently awarded Postdoctoral Fellowship by Ministry of Education (ICSSR), Government of India (2022-2024). Currently, she is working in a project on "Identification of potential Rainwater Harvesting sites using Geospatial technologies in Kandi region of Punjab" funded by Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) at Punjab Agricultural University - Regional Research Station, Ballowal Saunkhri, SBS Nagar, Punjab.

Inhalt

Introduction to Lantana camara: Botanical, Ecological and Bioprospecting Perspectives.- Morphology and Taxonomy of Lantana camara: An Overview.- Dynamics of Disruption: Invasion Ecology of Lantana camara.- Phytochemistry and Extraction of Bioactive Compounds of Lantana camara.- Lantana Camara: A Blessing and a Curse for Agriculture.- Traditional Medicinal Uses and Scientific Validation of Lantana camara.- Lantana camara: A Paradoxical Pharmacopoeia.- Turning the Tide: Leveraging Lantana camara for Sustainable Environmental Applications.- The Hidden Potential Lantana camara for Value Added Products.- Toxicology & Safety: Understanding and Mitigating the Risks of Lantana camara.- Balancing Control and Management of Lantana camara: Integrative Approaches and Future Directions.