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Golden Dewdrop, Pigeon Berry, or Skyflower

Duranta erecta

Description:

Duranta erecta is a sprawling shrub or (infrequently) a small tree. It can grow to 6 m (20 ft) tall and can spread to an equal width. Mature specimens possess axillary thorns, which are often absent on younger specimens. The leaves are light green, elliptic to ovate, opposite, and grow up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) long and 3.5 cm (1.4 in) broad, with a 1.5 cm petiole. The flowers are light-blue or lavender, produced in tight clusters located on terminal and axillary stems, blooming almost all year long. The fruit is a small globose yellow or orange berry, up to 11 mm (0.43 in) diameter and containing several seeds. The leaves and berries of the plant are toxic, and are confirmed to have killed children, dogs and cats. However, songbirds eat the fruit without ill effects.

Habitat:

It's native from Mexico to South America and the Caribbean. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical gardens throughout the world, and has become naturalized in many places. It is considered an invasive species in Australia, China, South Africa and on several Pacific Islands.

1 Species ID Suggestions

Golden Dewdrop Plant
Duranta erecta Duranta erecta


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3 Comments

AgnesAdiqueTalavera
AgnesAdiqueTalavera 10 years ago

You're welcome :)

valentinezza
valentinezza 10 years ago

Thank you Agnes! :)

EmilyUmbarger
EmilyUmbarger 10 years ago

Beautiful!

valentinezza
Spotted by
valentinezza

Genova, LIG, Italy

Spotted on Jul 24, 2013
Submitted on Aug 8, 2013

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