Duranta erecta aka Golden Dewdrops

Duranta erecta is an evergreen shrub in the verbena family. Its common names include golden dewdrop, pigeon berry, and sky flower. It comes from the warm parts of the Americas. Kew places its native range from Mexico to northern South America. That range also includes southern Florida and the Caribbean. It grows in thickets, along roads, and on disturbed ground.

The plant grows fast and forms a broad, arching shape. Some branches droop, and older plants can become small trees. Garden shrubs reach about 10–15 feet [3–4.6 metres] tall. They spread about 4–10 feet [1.2–3 metres] wide. Other sources report heights near 20 feet [6 metres]. In cold regions, annual plants reach 2–4 feet [0.6–1.2 metres]. Pot-grown plants may stay near 4 feet [1.2 metres]. Long green stems may bear sharp thorns as they age. The pale brown bark has shallow grooves. Simple leaves grow in pairs on the stems. They are green to yellow-green, with smooth or toothed edges.

Small tube-shaped flowers hang in racemes on new growth. Their colours include blue, violet, purple, white, and pink. Sources report spring bloom or flowers from summer through fall. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the blooms. Round yellow-orange drupes follow in hanging clusters during summer and fall. Birds eat these fruits without the harm reported in mammals. Both flowers and fruit add colour to borders and screens.

Full sun gives the best bloom, though plants tolerate light shade. They prefer moist, fertile soil that drains well. They also grow in a wide range of soils. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 10–11 for winter survival. NC State includes zone 9, so hardiness estimates differ. Frost limits outdoor use in colder places. Gardeners there grow it as an annual or container plant. Bring pots indoors before frost, into a bright room. Pruning after bloom helps keep the shrub compact. Warm-climate uses include hedges, borders, screens, and small trained trees.

Sources report few major pests or diseases, but whiteflies can occur. The plant has escaped gardens and become invasive on many Pacific islands. Removing fruit can help limit its spread. No edible uses are known. Eating the fruit can kill children and pets. Reported traditional uses include treating fever and itchy skin. The plant also serves as an insect repellent.