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Prickly Duranta

Prickly Duranta
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Invasive Plant
Prickly Duranta
Duranta erecta
 

A dense shrub usually growing to 4-5m with pendulous branches bearing blue, white or purple flowers, followed by orange berries.

This very popular garden plant has had a renaissance in popularity with the introduction of several new forms in recent years. Whilst many are kept well pruned into effective hedges, particularly in local government areas and commercial premises others are left unkempt and form berries.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • The berries are highly attractive to birds. If a plant is allowed to form berries, birds ingest them and distribute the plants widely in native bushland, creating thickets and upsetting the ecosystem.
  • Do not allow existing plants to form berries. Either prune immediately after flowering or remove the plant entirely if regular maintenance is not practical.
 
Note: This plant is also considered poisonous.
 
 
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Other superior selections include;

  • Graptophyllum excelsum - Native Fuchsia
  • Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Scented Myrtle
  • Hovea acutifolia - Purple Pea Plant

Ask your local retailer for more superior selections

 

Alternative Plants

Grey Myrtle
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Grey Myrtle
Backhousia myrtifolia
Trees and Shrubs
 

A highly desirable Australian native plant forming a thick screen to 2m when pruned but can reach 6-8m if left untouched. A profusion of cream white flowers bloom in summer and the greenish cream sepals persist for many months.

Lilly Pillies
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Lilly Pillies
Syzygium australe cultivars
Trees and Shrubs
 

This superb Australian native rainforest plant has glossy green foliage, a profusion of fluffy white flowers and small colourful berries. There are many different cultivars of this plant with a wide range of growth habits, foliage types and berry colours. Many make highly desirable hedges and screens. 'Elite', 'Bush Christmas' and 'Hinterland Gold' are three of many suitable selections.

Sasanqua Camellia
Photo: Lorna Rose
Alternative Plant Sasanqua Camellia
Camellia sasanqua
Trees and Shrubs
 

This fantastic plant should be more widely used in the Sub- Tropics. There are many and varied flower colours, ranging from white through to pink and red. Most will tolerate full sun with growth habits to suit every situation. Many cultivars can be pruned into effective hedges.

 
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