Description
Latin name – Murraya koenigii
Curry leaf trees are manageably-sized with lots of dainty rustling leaves, akin to neem. They make a spicy addition to any edible garden. Both the leaves and the berries of the curry tree are edible.
Curry bush trees are native to India, China, and Indochina and—SURPRISE!— they’re part of the citrus family: Rutaceae.
Aromatic and slightly bitter, curry leaves are sought after for culinary use in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and throughout Indochina. Curry leaves contain plenty of carotenoids, calcium, and iron. The edible black berries are sweet and juicy with a single viable seed contained within each. Seeds may be toxic.
The fresh leaves are widely sought for cooking (dosas, masalas AKA powdered spice blends, sambar veggie stew, and soaps). Curry leaves are also a major player in traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine.
When planting, keep in mind that curry trees propagate themselves via root suckers (genetically-identical baby trees that grow from the tree’s root system). In some regions, curry is classed as an invasive weed so beware of the spreading nature if you plan to plant in-ground.
Curry bush trees can be propagated via cuttings or seeds; Our curry trees here at Incredible Edible Landscapes are propagated from seed, lending to ideal root structure and greater stability of the mature tree.
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Size: 12’ Tall x 6’ Wide
Sun Requirements: Full sun or part shade
Cold Hardy: Prefers warm weather
Harvest Season: Leaves any time, berries in summer
Watering requirements: Water frequently, keeping soil moist
