Golden Dewdrop
Duranta plumieri Jacq. (syn. Duranta erecta)
Location
Other Plants
Family
Verbenaceae
Common names
Golden Dewdrop, Skyflower, Pigeon Berry
Native range
Tropical America (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean)
Habitat
Tropical and subtropical regions
Flowering
Flowers and fruits are produced almost throughout the year in warm climates, with peak flowering during spring and summer.
Fruiting
Flowers and fruits are produced almost throughout the year in warm climates, with peak flowering during spring and summer.
Conservation status
Not threatened; widely cultivated and naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions
About this plant
Duranta plumieri is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree, typically reaching 2–6 metres in height. Leaves are simple, opposite, ovate to elliptic, bright green, and sometimes finely toothed along the margins. Stems may bear sharp spines. Flowers are small, showy, and borne in drooping terminal or axillary panicles; they are usually violet-blue to lavender, sometimes white, with a faint fragrance. Fruits are small, round, berry-like drupes, bright yellow to orange when ripe, often produced in hanging clusters. Seeds are hard and enclosed within the fleshy fruit.
Uses
Duranta plumieri is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for hedges, borders, and landscape design due to its attractive flowers and decorative fruits. It is commonly used for topiary and fencing. In traditional medicine, different plant parts have been used in folk remedies for fever, intestinal worms, and skin ailments; however, the fruits are considered toxic if ingested and are not edible for humans.
Growing conditions
Thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established but grows best with regular watering
Habit
Evergreen shrub or small tree