Golden-Dewdrops, Duranta

Duranta erecta L.

dew-RAN-tah  ee-WRECK-tah

Verbenaceae

Explanation of name: Genus named for Italian botanist and physician Castor Durantes, died ca. 1590 (BA1). Erecta is self-explanatory.

Synonym: Duranta repens L. (see WU2)

Natural range: Caribbean to Brazil. Contrary to other indications (e.g., BA1), WU2 does not accept the species as native to Florida. Authorities are mixed on this question, partly because the species is an aggressive colonizer readily dispersed by birds and escaping cultivation. Almost certainly not indigenous to Palm Beach County. (Any claim to “nativity” would be in or near the Florida Keys.)

Natural habitat: Often in dry coastal areas http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Duranta erecta.pdf

Recognition: Shrub or small tree, sometimes thorny, with opposite, often-serrate leaves, these sometimes variegated in cultivated material. Flowers deep purple (or white in var. alba Bailey), in short dangling racemes. Fruits pea-sized, golden-translucent

Landscape uses: This fast-growing (or medium-growing) shrub or small tree is popular for its decorative drooping branches, showy purple (or white) flowers, and golden (but deadly poisonous) fruits. Those with white-variegated foliage (var. variegata Bailey or cv. ‘Alba’) are showy.

Cultivars include: ‘Alba’, ‘Desert-to-Jungle’, ‘Gold Edge’, ‘Gold Mound’ (important and widespread), ‘Tiger Eye’, ‘Variegata’, ‘Lemon Lime’.

            A Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Assn. (FNGLA) Plant of the Year (2005), Duranta ‘Gold Mound’ with golden-yellow foliage (looking like severe nutrient deficiency) has become inexplicably fashionable as a small, often-heavily pruned, sick-looking specimen and border plant decorating the entrances to gated communities across our area, often awkwardly associated with plants of more normal coloration. It reportedly fares best in full sun, high heat, and high humidity, and being small-statured, should be more closely spaced than other selections. One grower recommends 14”. The flowers attract butterflies, and the fruits feed birds. Propagated by cuttings or seeds.