Origin
Duranta repens L. var. microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke, commonly known as Golden Dewdrop or Skyflower, is a species of flowering shrub that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. The plant is native to tropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. Currently, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world due to its attractive appearance and easy-to-grow nature.
Common Names
The plant is known by various common names in different parts of the world. In English-speaking countries, it is commonly referred to as Golden Dewdrop, Skyflower, or Pigeon Berry. In Spanish-speaking regions, it is called Duranta, Duranta Dorada, or Flor de Oro. Similarly, in Portuguese, it is known by the name Murta.
Uses
Duranta repens L. var. microphylla has several uses both ornamental and medicinal. The plant is widely utilized as an ornamental garden plant due to its beautiful golden or violet-blue flowers that bloom in clusters throughout the year. Additionally, its dense foliage and ability to grow in various soil types make it a popular hedge plant.
Moreover, the plant has some medicinal properties, and it is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and skin diseases. The leaves and root of Duranta repens L. var. microphylla have been found to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins which have therapeutic effects.
General Appearance
Duranta repens L. var. microphylla is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It has dark green leaves that are lance-shaped, and the branches have tiny spines. The plant produces an abundance of small, star-shaped flowers in clusters at the tips of the branches. The flowers are golden-yellow or violet-blue and produce small, fleshy, yellow-orange berries that contain seeds. The plant has a dense foliage that provides an excellent cover, making it a popular landscaping plant.
Light
Duranta repens var. microphylla grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to thrive. In too much shade, the plant may become leggy and fail to produce flowers and fruits.
Temperature
The plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm to hot conditions. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11, which means it can tolerate cold temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C) for short periods. Nevertheless, it is best to protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures.
Soil
Duranta repens var. microphylla grows best in well-draining, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is not too compacted or waterlogged. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5, slightly acidic, to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods for Duranta Repens L. var. Microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke
Duranta repens L. var. microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke is a small shrub that grows well in tropical or subtropical climates. It requires warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, and it can tolerate a range of soils as long as they are well-draining. When planting your Duranta repens L. var. microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke, make sure to choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade.
Before planting, it is important to prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or aged manure. This will help improve soil fertility, drainage, and structure. Once the plant is planted, ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging which can lead to root rot.
Watering Needs for Duranta Repens L. var. Microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke
Watering is an important aspect of taking care of Duranta repens L. var. microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke. During the first few months, add water regularly to keep the soil moist but not wet. Once established, the plant can tolerate short periods of drought. Water deeply once a week or when the soil is dry to the touch.
During hot weather, the plant may require watering more frequently. However, make sure not to overwater as it can make the roots rot, leading to the death of the plant.
Fertilization for Duranta Repens L. var. Microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke
Duranta repens L. var. microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke requires a balanced fertilizer to grow well. After planting, apply a balanced granular fertilizer once a month for the first few months. After that, you should reduce the frequency of fertilization to once every three to four months.
When applying the fertilizer, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Over-fertilizing the plant can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruits, inhibiting its growth.
Pruning of Duranta Repens L. var. Microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke
Pruning helps Duranta repens L. var. microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke to maintain its shape and promote flowering. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any diseased or broken branches and cut back any overgrown shoots.
Avoid pruning too heavily or too frequently as it can lead to a reduction in flowering. Only remove a third of the plant at any one time, and make sure to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation methods for Duranta repens L. var. microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke
Duranta repens L. var. microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke, also known as Duranta stenostachya Juss., is commonly propagated by seeds, cuttings, and layering. The following are the different propagation methods that can be utilized for this plant:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Duranta repens can be sown directly in the ground or containers filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch and be kept moist until they germinate. Germination can take anywhere from one to three weeks, depending on the conditions. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or planted outdoors in their permanent location.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings can be taken from tip growth or heel cuttings. Tip cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches long, and heel cuttings should be a bit longer with a small section of 2-year-old wood attached. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a well-draining potting mix and cover with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Cuttings should root within four to six weeks. Transplant the rooted cuttings into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Layering propagation
To propagate using layering, select a low-branching stem that can be bent towards the ground. Make a shallow cut on the underside of the stem and dust with rooting hormone. Cover the cut with soil and secure it with a small stake. Roots should start to form within six to eight weeks. Once the new roots have grown sufficiently, cut the stem from the mother plant and transplant into its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Duranta repens L. var. microphylla (Desf.) Moldenke
Duranta repens L. var. microphylla is a popular ornamental plant that is relatively easy to grow. However, it can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can affect its health and appearance. Here are some common problems and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Canker disease: This disease causes brown or black lesions on the stems and branches, which can eventually kill the plant. To manage canker disease, prune affected branches and disinfect the pruning tools between cuts to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead watering, as the disease is spread by splashing water. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing distorted growth and a sticky residue on the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock the insects off, or use insecticidal soap or oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can also help control the pest.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars, such as the tobacco budworm, can feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing defoliation and flower damage. To manage caterpillars, manually remove them from the plant or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray, which is a natural insecticide targeted at caterpillars.
Mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing or stippling of the leaves, as well as webbing on the plant. To manage mites, wash the plant with a strong jet of water to remove the mites, or use insecticidal soap or oil. Predatory mites can also be used to control the pest.
Overall, good plant health practices such as regular watering and fertilization, as well as proper pruning and sanitation, can help prevent disease and pest problems in Duranta repens L. var. microphylla.
