Curry tree
Murraya koenigii
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Pl. C6D0 — Murraya koenigii
Murraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigiiMurraya koenigii
IOverview
Overview
The curry tree, Murraya koenigii, is a small evergreen shrub or tree native to the tropical regions of Asia, including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China (South-Central and Southeast), East and West Himalayas, Hainan, India, Laos, Malaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Known for its culinary uses in South Asian cuisine, this plant is widely cultivated for its aromatic leaves and fruits. The tree thrives in a variety of soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers full to partial sun and grows to about 4 meters in height with a width of 0.9 meters. Its light green leaves are the primary edible part, used extensively in cooking due to their distinctive flavor.
Quick answers
What is Curry tree?
The curry tree, Murraya koenigii, is a small evergreen shrub or tree native to the tropical regions of Asia, including Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China (South-Central and Southeast), East and West Himalayas, Hainan, India, Laos, Malaya, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Curry tree thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist but well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a minimum temperature range of 10-12°C. Water the plant regularly, ensuring it does not dry out completely. Propagate via cuttings from healthy leaves and fruit. This tree grows to about 4 meters in height and 0.9 meters in width, making it suitable for gardens where space is available.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
4.0 m × 0.9 m
For first-time growers
How to grow Curry tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a small Curry tree sapling for your beginner garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Curry tree sapling, well-draining potting mix, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with some sand added for lightness. Ensure your container has drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into your prepared container or garden bed, ensuring it is planted at the same depth as in its original pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot and avoid direct midday sun for now.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during hot weather. Fertilize with a balanced plant food every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly to shape the tree and remove any dead or damaged branches. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:ContainersHairHedgerowHouseplantoil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 8 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 16 native· 8 introduced
Asia11 regions
native (10)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosNepalPakistanSri LankaThailandVietnam
introduced (1)Maldives
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, Hainan, Malaya, West Himalaya
introduced:Andaman Is., Christmas I., Jawa, Laccadive Is., Nicobar Is., Sumatera
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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