Duranta erecta, also known as Cayenne Vanilla, is a tropical ornamental plant particularly prized for its vibrant purple flowers and clustered golden fruit. Native to Central and South America, this shrubby plant fits in perfectly with botanical gardens such as Au Bois Vert, located near Ivato and Antananarivo. With its bushy habit and glossy green leaves, the Cayenne Vanilla is a feast for the eyes and a haven for birds and pollinators.
This handsome shrub can reach heights of up to 6 meters under optimum conditions. It prefers tropical or subtropical climates, where it benefits from warm temperatures and moderate humidity. However, it can also be grown in pots or pruned into hedges in temperate zones, provided it is protected from frost. Duranta erecta or Cayenne Vanilla flowers abundantly almost all year round, especially in a sunny environment such as that of the Bois Vert botanical garden.
The plant produces small, tubular flowers that form hanging clusters of deep purple, sometimes with white edges. The flowers give off a light perfume that attracts butterflies and bees. The fruit, though toxic to humans, is attractive to many species of birds. Its dense foliage and ability to adapt to different soils make Duranta erecta a favorite choice for embellishing botanical gardens and landscaped areas in hotels, restaurants and lodges, such as those at Au Bois Vert.
Plant use
The Cayenne Vanilla has multiple uses that make it a versatile and valuable plant in green spaces and botanical gardens. Its aesthetic appeal makes it a key feature in landscape design, often used as ornamental hedges or as a standalone plant to highlight its stunning purple flowers. In places like the Au Bois Vert Botanical Garden, it adds a tropical and exotic touch that delights visitors passing through Ivato or Antananarivo. Additionally, the plant’s dense foliage provides an ideal habitat for birds and small animals. Its yellow fruits, though not suitable for human consumption, serve as food for birds, thereby promoting biodiversity within the garden. Garden enthusiasts value the plant not only for its beauty but also for its ecological importance. In lodges and restaurants such as those at Au Bois Vert, the Cayenne Vanilla is commonly used to create shaded, colorful spaces that offer a peaceful atmosphere for guests. Despite the toxicity of its fruits, the leaves and roots are sometimes used in traditional medicine in parts of Latin America to treat minor ailments, though it must be handled with care to prevent accidental poisoning. Its ease of maintenance and resilience to varying climate conditions make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a lush, natural element to their environment, whether in a botanical garden or surrounding a hotel or lodge.
Key information
| Common name | Cayenne Vanilla |
| Scientific name | Duranta erecta |
| Origin | Central and South America |
| Natural habitat | Tropical forests, subtropical areas |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | All year round, with a peak in spring and summer |
