Duranta

Duranta
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Verbenaceae
Genus: Duranta
L.[1]
Species

Duranta is a genus of flowering plants in the verbena family, Verbenaceae.[1] It contains 17 species of shrubs and small trees that are native from southern Florida to Mexico and South America. They are commonly cultivated as hedges and ornamental plants.

Duranta is registered as an invasive weed by many councils of Australia. It is a prolific, fast growing weed that is spread by birds from domestic areas to natural reserves. It was introduced and marketed as a hedge plant some years ago. Many people now fight to keep this thorny pest under control. It is highly ranked in the most invasive weeds in Australia. [1]

  1. ^ a b "Genus: Duranta L." Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 1996-09-17. Archived from the original on 2012-10-10. Retrieved 2010-12-13.