JENNY'S GARDEN               

Murraya koenigii
(Curry Tree, Curry Leaf Tree, Curryleaf Tree, Sweet Nim)

Synonym:  Bergera koenigii
Origin:  Native to Sri Lanka and India
Famkily:  Aracea
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  15-20'
Spacing:  15-20'
Blooms:  5/16" across, fragrant, white, late Spring
Foliage:  Aromatic, green, pinnate, 11-21 leaflets
Fruits:  Black berries, small, shiny, edible
Soil:  Well-drained, acidic, rich, sandy, loamy with peat moss added, keep moist
Water:  Moderate, reduce during Winter
Uses:  Landscape, spice, culinary, cookies, medicine, container
Propagation:  Fresh ripe seeds  (Sow directly onto ground as soon s possible in Fall), suckers, root cuttings
Caution:  Seeds poisonous - do not eat.  Plant may cause skin allergy - wear gloves when handling

Comments:  Murraya koenigii or Curry Tree or Curry Leaf Tree or Curryleaf Tree or Sweet Nim or Bergera koenigiiis a small subtropical or tropical tree with an erect, suckering growth habit.  It is a native of Sri Lanka and India.  In late Spring or early Summer, Murraya Koenigii produces lovely cluster of small, white fragrant blossoms atop small, green, aromatic foliage.  This is followed later by edible small shiny black berries.  The leaves emit a delightful pungent fragrance when brushed by wind.  The leaves of  Sweet Nim are popularly Indian cuisine especially for cooking curry, hence its common name, Curryleaf Tree.  Many recipes call for the use of curry leaves in making Indian cookies.  Murrya koenigii is easily propagated from fresh ripe fruits, suckers or root cuttings; dried shriveled fruits would not germinate.  It thrives best in well-drained, rich, moist, acidic soil in a sunny to part shade location.  Curry Leaf Tree is hardy to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.   Fertilize during growing season.  Bergera koenigii is popularly grown by many Hindus as a herbal tree for use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.  Sweet Nim leaves are rich in iron and is ofen used as a spice in various Indian dishes.  It is said to be good for those with high cholesterol and keeps hair healthy and long;  it also contains valuable herbal properties and used to treat an array of problems as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic.  Muraya koenigii makes a lovely landscaping tree.  Curry Leaf Tree can also be container cultivated.

USDA Zones:  9-11