Family: Verbenaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Duranta erecta, commonly known as golden dew drop, skyflower, or pigeon berry, is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including parts of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree often used in landscaping for its showy sprays of violet, blue, or white flowers and its bright yellow or orange berry clusters. Many cultivated varieties feature golden or variegated foliage, making it a popular choice for hedges, borders, and ornamental plantings in warm climates. Its ability to tolerate pruning, heat, and a range of soil conditions has contributed to its widespread use in tropical and subtropical gardens.

Risks & Threats
Golden dew drop is naturalized on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu and is potentially naturalizing on Niʻihau (including Lehua). It produces abundant seeds that are readily dispersed by birds, allowing it to spread beyond cultivated areas into natural habitats. This species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including rapid growth, high seed production, and the ability to form dense thickets. These characteristics could allow it to outcompete native vegetation and detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. Because it is already spreading in parts of Hawaiʻi, planting golden dew drop may increase the risk of further invasion. Choosing a low-risk or native alternative is recommended to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique landscapes and biodiversity.

High Risk Traits:

• High climate suitability: Grows in diverse conditions (zones 9-11, up to 1,300m).
  
• Invasive & naturalized: Established in Hawaii, Florida, Australia; listed as an environmental weed in China.
  
• Toxic to humans: Fruits are poisonous, especially dangerous for children.
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds: Aids long-distance spread into natural areas.
  
• Vegetative spread: Can thicken and spread laterally after establishment.
  
• Resprouts readily: Tolerates heavy pruning and can regrow if cut to the ground.
  
• Spiny varieties: Can form dense, impenetrable thickets.
  
• Fire hazard: Inhabits dry areas with growth form that may contribute to fire risk.
  
• Possible allelopathy: May suppress growth of nearby plants.

Low Risk Traits:

• Not an agricultural weed: No significant impact in crop systems.
  
• Low shade tolerance: Does not compete well in dense forests.