Duranta plumieri (L.)  

• Botanical Name: Duranta plumieri (L.)
• Synonyms:
o Duranta erecta L.
o Duranta repens L. (synonym used in older references)

• Family: Verbenaceae
• Genus: Duranta
• Species: plumieri
Common Names:
• English: Golden Dewdrop, Sky Flower, Pigeon Berry
• Tamil: தங்கம் புனிதம் (Thangam Punitham), கொழும்பு மரம் (Kolumbu Maram)
• Malayalam: സ്വര്‍ണ്ണദ്രോപ് (Swarnadrop), പിജന്‍ ബേരി (Pijjan Beri)

Botanical Description:
Duranta plumieri (also commonly known as Duranta erecta or Golden Dewdrop) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. The plant is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its attractive flowers and vibrant berries.
• Plant Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree
• Height: Typically grows to a height of 1–3 meters, but can grow larger in ideal conditions (up to 6 meters).
• Stem: The branches are slender, green to brown in color, and slightly woody. It has a bushy or spreading growth habit.
• Leaves: The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate to lanceolate in shape. They are 5–10 cm long, smooth-edged, and have a glossy dark green color on the upper side. The undersides of the leaves are lighter in color.
• Flowers: Duranta plumieri produces striking, funnel-shaped flowers that are typically violet to light blue or purple. They are about 2–3 cm in length and grow in loose, branching clusters (panicles). The flowers bloom in late spring to summer and are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies.
• Fruits: The plant produces small, round, orange to golden-yellow berries that ripen in late summer or fall. These berries are toxic if consumed in large quantities but are attractive to birds.
• Roots: The root system is well-established and fibrous, helping the plant thrive in various types of soil.
• Odor: The flowers have a light, sweet fragrance that adds to the ornamental appeal of the plant.

Uses of Duranta plumieri:
1. Ornamental Uses:
o Duranta plumieri is widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub for its attractive flowers and vibrant berries. It is commonly used in landscaping, garden borders, and hedges due to its colorful, cascading flower clusters.
o The plant is also used in bonsai and is ideal for decorative pots and containers.
o It is planted in tropical and subtropical gardens, often as a flowering hedge or ground cover due to its dense foliage.
2. Medicinal Uses:
o Traditional Remedies: In traditional medicine, various parts of Duranta plumieri (leaves, bark, and roots) are used in herbal preparations to treat a range of ailments. It has been used to manage conditions like fever, coughs, and respiratory infections.
o Anti-inflammatory Properties: The plant is sometimes used for its anti-inflammatory properties, and in some cultures, it is applied topically to reduce swelling and inflammation.
o Antibacterial: Some studies have indicated that the plant contains compounds that exhibit antibacterial activity. Extracts of Duranta may be used to treat minor infections and wounds.
3. Toxicity and Safety:
o While Duranta plumieri is admired for its beauty, it is important to note that the berries of this plant are toxic if consumed in large amounts. The berries contain compounds that can cause mild to severe poisoning if ingested by humans or animals.
o Caution with Pets and Livestock: The plant is toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats, and it should be kept out of reach of animals. Birds may safely eat the berries, but caution should be exercised when it comes to consumption by pets or children.