Do you call it a weed?
- Duranta is also known as Golden Dewdrop, Pigeon Berry and Skyflower.
- Duranta is from the family Verbenaceae which is the verbena family and there are 17 different species.
- Duranta is native to the Americas and the Caribbean.
- Duranta can grow up to 6 meters (20 feet) in height depending on the species.
- Mature duranta have thorns and bloom light blue, violet or white coloured flowers.
- Duranta have yellow or orange coloured berry fruit.
- The berries and leaves of duranta are poisonous, and have killed children, cats and dogs.
- Duranta was named in honour of a 16th century Italian botanist and physician, Castor Durantes.
- Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to duranta’s brightly coloured flowers.
- Duranta is known as a weed in Australia, South Africa and China.
Bibliography:
Duranta erecta 5 December 2012, Wikipedia, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duranta_erecta>
