Murraya koenigii Seeds | Curry Leaf
LATIN NAME: Murraya koenigii
COMMON NAME: Curry Leaf
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii) stands out as a bushy, evergreen tree in the citrus family, native to India and sri lanka, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
Murraya koenigii sits in the citrus family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Spicy, aromatic leaves of curry leaf give it a recognised place in research on warm-climate spice plants of citrus family, and koenigii species appears in studies of leaf oil chemistry and traditional uses of leaves and the bark. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
Curry Leaf works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. In warm kitchen garden, curry leaf fans kitchen garden with glossy, spicy leaves. Leaves season curries, soups and rice dishes of the southern kitchens for generations, the white flowers open for the bees, and the tree makes the fine, neat pot plant for the patio. It grows well in rich, moist, well-drained, sunny ground. Once it has settled, the workload drops to almost nothing.
Orange jasmine perfumes whole gardens with its orange-blossom scent; the leaves appear in Southeast Asian folk medicine and the glossy shrub makes a fine hedge.
Growing from Seed
Starting Curry Leaf from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
Curry Leaf repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
If Curry Leaf appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: