Duranta erecta (Golden dew drop) and Duranta repens (Geisha girl) are very similar species and are often mistaken for each other. Duranta is a known invasive environmental weed and is most likely already spreading into our bushland. The nursery industry has in the past released plants stating they don’t produce viable seed, but that theory has been proven wrong for other plants, so it’s not information that can be relied on.
All parts of the Duranta are poisonous. Dogs and cats have died from eating the berries and the toxin level is high enough to kill a human. There is a historical record of a 4 year old child dying from ingesting the plant. The more common effects are vomiting and diarrhea.
Common name: Golden dew drop, Geisha girl, Skyflower
Scientific name: Duranta erecta, Duranta repens
Native to: Southern USA, Central and South America
Family: Verbenaceae
Habit: Shrub / small tree. The plant can grow up to 7m but is usually pruned in a garden setting.
Dispersal method: Birds eating the berries. Birds aren’t affected by the toxin.
Control measures: Cut and paint
Native species to use in place of Duranta: Bottlebrushes
More information can be found in ‘Weeds of the Sunshine coast’ page 160 First edition
