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A dash of gold with Duranta
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Duranta, especially the yellow-green variety, makes an attractive border or a topiary specimen
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Golden dewdrop Duranta gets its name from the clusters of orangey-yellow berries that appear on its stems
Belonging to the Verbena family, Duranta is a native of tropical America, and is now quite widely grown in Asia. Commonly known as `golden dewdrop', the plant gets this name from the lovely orangey-yellow small berries that appear in plentiful clusters, inedible but highly decorative. The weight of these berries is such that the tall slender stems droop.
The leaves of Duranta are a rich green, and small flowers in lovely lilac or white bloom profusely in thin, small racemes, leading to the berries. Both flowering and fruiting can be seen together on the plant, leading to its unique charm.
The plant grows to about seven feet in height, but looks better if trimmed to a reasonable height and shape.
Duranta variegata is similar, except that it has leaves in green and white. This variety does not yield so many flowers and fruit, though the foliage enhances its value.
Now popular is the yellow-green bright duranta, grown in bushy low borders, or shaped into topiary specimens. In the place of box and yew, this specimen can help add form and intense colour to the garden. Called `golden tea' in South East Asia, this plant will require plenty of effort to keep to a desired shape.
Duranta can be multiplied by cuttings. It is generally a hardy, long-lived plant, quite easily maintained, with plenty of water and an occasional leaf mulch.
RUPA GOPAL
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