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Duranta erecta 'Alba'

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Duranta erecta 'Alba'

Family Name: Verbenaceae
Synonyms: Duranta repens var. alba
Common Name: White Sky Flower, Golden Dew Drop, Pigeon Berry

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Infraspecific Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Shrub
Maximum Height 2 m to 3 m

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Large, evergreen shrub with multiple stems and hanging branches. It has a sprawling growth habit.
Foliage Leaves are ovate with entire leaf margin (2.5 - 7.5 cm long).
Stems The stems have spines.
Flowers Tubular, 5-lobed flowers are white with a greenish yellow throat (1.3 cm wide). Petals are approximately round to obovate with a frilly edge. Flowers are arranged in terminal or lateral clusters known as racemes (15 cm long). This species is free-flowering.
Fruit Fruits are orange, round to slightly elongated berries (1.3 cm wide). They occur in large, hanging clusters. The berries are toxic to humans, dogs and cats.
Cultivation This low maintenance cultivar may be planted in acidic soil (pH = 5.5 - 6.5) with 1.2 - 1.8 m of space between plants. It can also be grown in large containers. Although it grows best in full sun, it is tolerant of semi-shade. Allow the soil to dry before re-watering. This species is occasionally attacked by caterpillars, scale insects and nematodes. To propagate by stem cuttings, take 13 - 20 cm cuttings and simply place them in soil. Propagate by seed or stem cuttings.
Etymology The genus Duranta was named after Castore Durantes, a 16th century Italian botanist and physician. The specific epithet erecta is Latin for upright and refers to its growth habit. 

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna Butterfly-Attracting (Flower Nectar)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting (Tip)

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) White

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 682
Species ID 1977
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 14 October 2021.
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