3000 species in 75 genera are almost all tropical and subtropical. Some are armed with thorns. 400 species are found in tropical and subtropical regions. Lantana 150 species are found in America, the West Indies and southern Africa.
Some species have edible fruit.
This species forms a garden shrub or hedge in Australia and is grown as an annual in colder climates. In chronic poisoning, signs of photosensitisation appear if the animal is exposed to sunlight. One pound of dried mature leaves can produce sensitisation in a 400 lb steer. The skin of the muzzle, ear, neck, shoulders, legs, or other parts of the body becomes yellow, swollen, hard, cracked, and painful. The skin often peels, leaving large exposed raw areas.