Abstract The headspace volatile compounds of the flowers of Lantana canescens were analysed by solid-phase microextraction coupled with GC-MS. A total of 96 volatile constituents were confirmed in the headspace accounted for about 97 % of the total composition. The headspace composition was characterized by a high number of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The characteristic odour of the flowers can be attributed to the major components β-caryophyllene (16.3 %) and 1-octen-3-ol (9.6 %).