This Malaysian Flower Is Called 'Bunga Tahi Ayam', But It's Not Because Of How It Looks
Also known as Lantana camara.
Cover image via You've probably seen this plant in kampung gardens, along highways, or even sprouting in wild, unmanaged green spaces
Despite its less-than-glamorous name, bunga tahi ayam is a surprisingly charming and resilient plant that thrives across Malaysia's landscapes. With its multicoloured blooms and hardy nature, it's a familiar sight in both rural and wild landscapes.
Known scientifically as Lantana camara, this flowering shrub offers more than meets the eye.
Image via Wikimedia Commons
First things first, it's called bunga tahi ayam because of its strong smell, not its looks
The name bunga tahi ayam translates to 'chicken dung flower' in Malay, a nod to the pungent odour emitted when its leaves are crushed. This scent, while off-putting to some, serves a purpose: it deters pests and herbivores, making the plant a natural protective barrier in gardens.
In various regions, it's also known as bunga pagar (hedge flower), reflecting its common use as a hedge or fence plant.
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You can find it almost everywhere in Malaysia — purposely grown or in the wild
Purposely grown: In kampungs and rural homes, bunga tahi ayam is often planted on purpose as a natural fence. Its bright flowers attract butterflies, and its strong smell is said to help repel pests like mosquitoes. Some even grow it for traditional medicinal uses.
Wild-grown: At the same time, Lantana camara spreads aggressively and is considered a wild or even invasive plant in many parts of the world — including Malaysia. It self-seeds easily and grows wherever conditions allow, especially in disturbed soils, abandoned lands, and roadside areas.
Its hardiness means it survives with minimal care, even in dry or poor soil conditions.
Because it grows so easily in Malaysia's hot, humid climate, it's not uncommon to see bunga tahi ayam blooming almost year-round, especially in sunny, open areas. Its resilience is part of what makes it such a recognisable part of the Malaysian visual landscape.
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Here's a guide on how to identify bunga tahi ayam:
You can spot it in various colours across Malaysia, from vibrant oranges and reds to soft pinks and purples. Look out for its small, round clusters of brightly coloured flowers.
- Flowers: Small, round clusters of tiny blooms with multiple colours on the same head
- Leaves: Oval-shaped, rough to the touch, and give off a strong smell when crushed
- Stems: May be slightly woody or thorny
- Fruit: Produces small, green berries that turn dark purple or black as they ripen
It usually grows as a shrub about waist-high, but in wild areas, it can get taller and bushier.
Many people confuse bunga tahi ayam with marigolds, but they're botanically unrelated.
Lantana camara has small clustered blooms in multicolour combinations (like pink-yellow or red-orange), grows as a woody shrub, and has strong-smelling leaves.
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.), on the other hand, have larger, fuller blooms in solid yellow or orange, and are more commonly used in ceremonies or religious offerings.
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Bunga tahi ayam is a bee and butterfly magnet, adding life to any garden
Thanks to its bright blooms and long flowering season, bunga tahi ayam attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. For this reason, it's often kept in home gardens as an ornamental plant that supports local biodiversity.
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It's been used in traditional medicine for generations
In some traditional remedies, the leaves of Lantana camara are pounded into a paste to treat wounds and inflammation. Decoctions from the roots have also been used for headaches or skin conditions. However, modern herbalists urge caution and proper knowledge when using it medicinally.
The plant itself is mildly toxic to humans, especially children. The unripe berries are the most toxic part. If eaten in significant quantities, they can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain. Leaves and stems can also cause irritation or toxicity if consumed raw, though the risk is lower in small amounts.
For pets and livestock, it's even more dangerous. Pet owners (especially those with curious cats or dogs) are advised to keep it out of reach.
So, the next time you spot bunga tahi ayam, take a second look
Image via Wikimedia Commons
Behind the cheeky name is a surprisingly elegant, practical, and ecologically valuable plant that's been quietly beautifying Malaysian landscapes for generations.
