<p>Lantana invasion poses a significant threat to tropical forests by disrupting plant competitive dynamics through allelopathic effects. The allelochemicals released by lantana exhibit phytotoxicity, negatively affecting the germination, regeneration, and growth of native seedlings and saplings leading to decline in native species phytosociological attributes and forest productivity. To assess the susceptibility against lantana’s allelopathic effects, we conducted a greenhouse&#xa0;based experiment using aqueous extracts of lantana roots and leaves at varying concentrations, evaluating multiple germination and phytotoxicity parameters of five native tree species. Further, we developed a Composite Performance Index (CPI) to rank these species based on their overall response to lantana allelopathy. This approach aimed to identify suitable candidates for plantation programs in lantana-affected areas. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA, post hoc tests, linear regression, correlation, and variability analysis, revealed that treatment significantly affected germination and phytotoxicity in all the tested species. A strong negative correlation (<i>r&#xa0;</i>= -0.94) was observed between treatment concentration and germination, with significant declines at 50%, severe impacts at 75%, and maximum inhibition at 100%. Leaf extracts led to higher germination rates, with an average increase of 5.2%, and exhibited lower phytotoxicity, which decreased by 3.8%. The species <i>Feronia limonia</i> exhibited the greatest stability (CV = 8.4%), while <i>Ailanthus excelsa</i> displayed the greatest variability (CV = 15.7%). High tolerance was observed in <i>F. limonia</i> (CPI = 0.87), <i>Aegle marmelos</i> (0.83), and <i>Holoptelia integrifolia</i> (0.82), moderate in <i>Bixa orellana</i> (0.48) and low in <i>A. excelsa</i> (0.28), suggesting that high-tolerance species may be ideal candidates for plantation programs in lantana-invaded areas.</p>