Murraya koenigii
curry tree
An evergreen, tropical to subtropical tree growing 4.5m (15ft) high and 3m (10ft across in its native habitat. The leaves are pinnate, having up to 10 pairs of leaflets along a central midrib. They are pungently aromatic, and used as an important flavouring in Indian cuisine. The terminal panicles of white, star-shaped flowers are sweetly fragrant and produced in flushes throughout the year, followed by clusters of red berries. Suitable only for growing as an indoor plant, or overwintered in a cool conservatory in frost-prone climates; but may be placed outdoors in summer to benefit from the extra light and humidity there.
Synonyms
Murraya koenigii
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | Red | |
| Autumn | White | Green | Red | |
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in an acidic to neutral, moisture-retentive, well drained compost and a position in full sun or partial shade, in a conservatory, greenhouse, or as a houseplant indoors in the UK
Propagation
Propate by seed, or by semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite, scale insects and mealy bug
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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