Two varieties of Lantana flowers in Landour, Mussoorie

A Tale of Two Lantana Flowers:Landour, Mussoorie

ByDr. Chandrima Debi
October 28, 2023

Nestled in the beautiful landscape of Landour, Mussoorie lies the abode of different species of flowering as well as non flowering plants. Among them, that blooms with vibrant colors is the Lantana flower. This picturesque hill station is home to not one, but two varieties of Lantana flowers, each with its own unique charm and allure. In this blog post, I will take you on a journey through the captivating world of Lantana flowers, exploring their characteristics, symbolism, and the captivating tales associated with these beautiful blooms.

As I wandered through the enchanting town of Landour, Mussoorie, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the vibrant bursts of color that adorned the pathways. Amongst the many flowers that graced this picturesque landscape, was the reddish – yellow lantana flower that truly stole my heart. The red lantana flower, with its fiery hue, seemed to exude a sense of passion and vitality. Its velvety petals opened up to reveal a cluster of tiny tubular blooms, each one a testament to the intricate beauty found in nature. What fascinated me most about the reddish yellow lantana flower was its ability to withstand the harsh mountain climate of Landour. Despite the chilly temperatures and occasional snowfall, these resilient flowers thrived, blanketing the hillsides with their vibrant presence. It was as if they were a symbol of strength and resilience, reminding me of the indomitable spirit that can be found in even the harshest of environments. In the past, it was believed that the flower brought good luck and prosperity, and many households adorned their balconies and gardens with these magnificent blooms.

There is also another variety of Lantana which is pinkish yellow in colour. Among the various shades, it is the pinkish-yellow lantana that steals the show, radiating warmth and joy. Its sunny hue stands out against the lush green foliage, creating a picturesque sight that is hard to resist. But the pinkish yellow lantana is more than just a pretty face. It is a symbol of endurance, adapting effortlessly to the changing seasons of Mussoorie.

Beneath its cheerful exterior lies a tale of resilience and survival. The pinkish-yellow lantana thrives in the hilly terrain, withstanding the challenges posed by the steep slopes and erratic weather. Its hardy nature and ability to grow in even the most adverse conditions make it a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike. Beyond its physical attributes, the pinkish-yellow lantana holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. It is a symbol of hope and positivity, reminding them to embrace life’s challenges with grace and determination. The sight of these vibrant blooms lining the trails and pathways is a constant reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the most unexpected places. As I continued my exploration of Landour, the tale of the lantana flower stayed with me, reminding me of the resilience and beauty that can be found in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

Lantana camara is a summer to fall blooming flower belonging to the family Verbenaceae. The flowers are arranged in the form of clusters. The blossoms on every cluster unfurl in a specific arrangement, starting from the core and extending outwards. Lantana bud blooms typically possess a single hue while closed, only to unfurl into a different shade upon opening. Subsequently, these blossoms transform in color as they mature. Like a bouquet of blooms containing blossoms of varied stages, it frequently exhibits varying hues at its core and periphery.

The evolution of lantana’s colors can easily be witnessed in your own garden, as the seasons progress. The vibrant colours of Lantana attract ideal pollinators like bees and various insects. The flowers exhibit lighter shades of yellow in the beginning to attract maximum pollinators and gradually turns purple to reddish when pollination time is almost over. There are various secondary metabolites in plants like anthocyanin, carotenoids etc. which are responsible for the vibrant colours of Lantana flowers.

If you come across any other variety of Lantana flowers in and around Landour, Mussoorie, please share it, I would love to see them.

PS: This plant was introduced in India long back as an ornamental plant, but later on it gradually overspread all over the subcontinent. Nowadays, alongwith Mexican Devil, it’s a threat to the local biodiversity.