Skyflower
Scientific name: Duranta erecta
POWO Status: Shrub or Tree
IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern
GPS Location: 17° 42′ 53.90″ N, 64° 49′ 48.64″ W
Medicinal Uses
Duranta erecta (Golden Dewdrop) is used in traditional medicine for malaria, intestinal worms, fevers, abscesses, and as a diuretic, possessing antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral (Hepatitis A), and anti-inflammatory properties, with bioactive compounds like flavonoids and glycosides supporting its uses, though fruits can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
Traditional & Folklore Uses
- Fever & Malaria: Used as a febrifuge (fever reducer) and for treating malaria.
- Parasites: Applied for intestinal worms (vermifuge).
- Skin Issues: An antidote for itches and used for abscesses.
- Respiratory: Applied for pneumonia.
- Diuretic: Used to help expel kidney stones.
- Stimulant: Flowers used as a stimulant.
- Neurological: Used for neuralgic disorders.
Scientific Properties & Actions
- Antimicrobial/Antifungal: Shows activity against various bacteria and fungi.
- Antiviral: Demonstrated effectiveness against Hepatitis A virus.
- Antioxidant: Contains compounds that act as antioxidants.
- Anti-inflammatory: Leaf extracts show antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects.
- Insecticidal/Larvicidal: Effective against mosquito larvae and insects.
- Antimalarial: Shows promise against malaria parasites.
- Enzyme Inhibition: Inhibits thrombin and prolyl endopeptidase.
Key Phytochemicals
- Flavonoids & Glycosides: (e.g., rutin, scutellarein, lamiide, durantol).
- Terpenoids & Steroids: (e.g., β-sitosterol).
- Alkaloids & Saponins.
Safety Note
- While used medicinally, the fruits are considered slightly poisonous, and ingesting large amounts of the plant can cause adverse effects; toxicity has been noted in studies.
Observations:
Phenological Markers – Duranta erecta
Common Name: Golden Dewdrop, Skyflower, Pigeon Berry
Scientific Name: Duranta erecta L.
Family: Verbenaceae
Leaf Phenology
- Leaf Type: Simple, opposite or whorled, ovate to elliptic, with serrated or entire margins; bright to dark green
- Evergreen/Semi-deciduous: Evergreen in tropical climates; may drop some leaves in cooler or dry periods
- Leaf Flush: New growth appears year-round, often more vigorous after pruning or rainfall
- Senescence: Occasional yellowing and drop of older leaves; partial defoliation may occur under drought or cold stress
Flowering
- Inflorescence: Long, drooping or upright racemes of small, violet-blue to lavender (sometimes white) tubular flowers with five lobes
- Blooming Period: Year-round in warm climates, with peak blooming in late spring through fall
- Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Phenological Indicator: Abundant flower spikes on branch tips; often present alongside developing fruits
Fruiting
- Fruit Type: Small, round, yellow to orange berries borne in hanging clusters
- Fruit Development: Begins after flowering; fruit ripens over several weeks
- Dispersal: Primarily birds; fruit is mildly toxic to humans
- Phenological Indicator: Visible yellow/orange fruit clusters often hanging below or alongside flowers
Suggested Photo Angles
- Full shrub or small tree form (can be sprawling or upright)
- Close-up of flower racemes
- Fruit clusters hanging from branches
- Leaf detail, including new flush and seasonal yellowing
- Mixed-stage view showing flowers and fruit together
Notes for Monitoring
- Duranta erecta is commonly planted as an ornamental but can be invasive in some tropical areas
- Responds strongly to rainfall and pruning, often blooming shortly after
- Can be monitored for pollinator activity, flower-fruit overlap, and seasonal responses to stress
- Best phenological markers: abundant violet flower racemes, yellow fruit clusters, and vigorous new growth