As an organization trying to promote use of lantana furniture/crafts we get bombarded with a number of queries on the nature of the material. There seems to be little awareness about this material/furniture outside conservation circles and hence this FAQ:
Is it cane/bamboo furniture?
“THIS IS NOT CANE/BAMBOO FURNITURE”. The looks might be misleading and many people pass the furniture off as cane or bamboo furniture at first glance but “IT IS NOT”.
Is it Durable/Will it break if I sit on it?
Lantana camara looks very bushy/thorny and it might seem hard to believe that it could be used for furniture. But hidden inside the bushy exterior are stems of varying thickness which when boiled become extremely strong and perfect for furniture. We have been regularly involved in the marketing of lantana furniture for the last seven years and we know from experience/feedback that it is a really durable material. We suggest you buy a chair from us for a sample and experience its strength/durability and put this question to rest forever!
How long will it last?
We have seen lantana furniture which is more than 10 years old. We ourselves use lantana furniture in our office which is more than 5 years old. It is really hard to put a number to it. But we can definitely say that it is not something that becomes weaker over the years, and is definitely comparable to or even better than cane or bamboo. It might just become duller over the years but one can always varnish it to give a fresher look just like any other natural material.
Can it be exposed directly to rainfall?
No, the furniture should not be directly exposed to rainfall if you want to maximize its durability.
Does the furniture only use lantana?
No, the joints are bound by cane but the rest of the furniture is completely made from lantana sticks.
Would it get termites/pests?
Lantana plants contains some compounds (lantanadene A and B) which make them inedible by any herbivores, and this seems to also make it pest/termite proof. In the 15 odd years Lantana furniture has been around there are no reported instances of pests.
Is it chemically treated?
Lantana is a different material as compared to bamboo or cane and does not require any chemical treatment as it is safe from pest/termite attacks. The lantana sticks are only boiled with water and no other treatment is required.
What are the various color finishes we can have with lantana furniture?
Currently, the natural colour is light brown, but it can be made a little yellower or even (rose wood colour) by adding some stainers into the varnish.
Is lantana furniture “eco-friendly”?
These days everything needs to be tagged “eco-friendly”, though exactly what this means is ambiguous! Assuming it means a minimal negative effect on the earth while manufacturing, Lantana furniture will probably be “eco-friendly++”. Its use/extraction from the forests helps in removal of one of the worst invasive species in the world. And at the same time it helps provide local indigenous communities with a livelihood option. So buying this furniture has a net positive effect on the earth!
In summary: Lantana furniture is extremely durable, has a good natural/earthy look, is eco-friendly++, affordable and is definitely worth trying as an alternative to other materials currently available in the market!
To get your lantana furniture you can contact us:Girish Sampath – 09677262451.
We put a pause to our marketing here!
