The essential oils of leaves and flowers of Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) from Cameroon and Madagascar were analysed by GCâFID and GCâMS. The oils are characterized by a high percentage of sesquiterpenes. The major components in the oils from Cameroon are ar-curcumene (25%), β-caryophyllene (13%) and caryophyllene epoxide (7%), while the main components of the oil from Madagascar are davanone (15%) and β-caryophyllene (12%). The monoterpenes percentages are lower in the two essential oils and are represented by sabinene (1â9%), α-pinene (2â4%), 1,8-cineole (1â3%) and linalool (1â3%). A comparison with the composition of various essential oils of L. camara with different origin will also be given. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.