Description

A popular ornamental shrub to 4m high, often cultivated as a hedge.

The flowers are blue, purple or white, grouped together on spikes 4–9cm long arising from the leaf axils. The leaves are green, gold or variegated.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

Symptoms

If eaten, the fruit can cause gastro-intestinal irritation, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Images

Duranta hedge
Photo by Mary Louden
Duranta white flowers
Photo by Mary Louden
Duranta purple flowers
Photo by Mary Louden

Details

Common name: Duranta

Botanical nameDuranta erecta, Duranta repens

Other common names: Golden dewdrop, Sky flower, Sheena’s gold, Aussie gold, Geisha girl

Family: Verbenaceae

General description: A popular ornamental shrub to 4m high, often cultivated as a hedge.

Flowers: The flowers are blue, purple or white, grouped together on spikes 4–9cm long arising from the leaf axils.

Leaves: The leaves are green, gold or variegated.

Fruit/Berries: The fruit are orange or yellow, about 6mm in diameter, with one hard seed in the centre.

Other: The sap is clear. Spines occur on the stems of older plants.