Chromolaena is a genus of about 165 species of perennials and shrubs in the family Asteraceae, order Asterales. The genus belongs to the tribe Eupatorieae and was previously classified under Eupatorium. Members of Chromolaena are native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States south through Central America and the Caribbean to South America, with Brazil being a center of diversity. One species, Chromolaena odorata, has been widely introduced to tropical and subtropical regions around the world where it has become a significant invasive weed.
Etymology
The name Chromolaena derives from the Greek χρῶμα (khrôma, "color") and χλαῑνα (khlaīna) or λαῑνα (laīna, "cloak"), referring to the colored phyllaries (involucral bracts) characteristic of some species in the genus.
Distribution
Chromolaena is native to the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to South America, with a particular concentration of species in Brazil. One species, Chromolaena odorata, has been introduced to many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide — including parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific — where it is considered a serious invasive weed.
Taxonomy
Members of Chromolaena were historically classified under the genus Eupatorium but have since been reclassified as a distinct genus within the tribe Eupatorieae. The genus was established or revised by R.M. King and H. Robinson, whose author citations appear on most species names in the group. As of September 2025, there were 163 accepted species.
