Curry tree

The species' generic name, Murraya koenigii, derives from Johann Andreas Murray (1740-1791), who studied botany under Carl Linnaeus and became a professor of medicine with an interest in herbalism at the University of Göttingen, Germany.[2]

Curry leaf tree is also called karuveppilai, karapincha, sweet neem, kadi patta, kadhi limbdo, curry vepillai, kari bevu, karivepaku or noroxingho pat (in Assamese, derived from Narasimha) among numerous other names, depending on region.[3][4]

The small flowers are white and fragrant.

Ripe and unripe fruits

It is a small tree, growing 4–6 m (13–20 feet) tall, with a trunk up to 40 cm (16 in) diameter. The aromatic leaves are pinnate, with 11–21 leaflets, each leaflet 2–4 cm (0.79–1.57 in) long and 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) broad. The plant produces small white flowers which can self-pollinate to produce small shiny-black drupes containing a single, large viable seed. The berry pulp is edible, with a sweet flavor.[4]

The tree is native to the Indian subcontinent.[5] Commercial plantations have been established in India, and more recently Australia.[5]

It grows best in well-drained soils in areas with full sun or partial shade, preferably away from the wind. Growth is more robust when temperatures are at least 18°C (65°F).[6]

The fresh leaves are valued as seasoning in the cuisines of South and Southeast Asia.[4] They are most widely used in southern and west-coast Indian cooking, usually fried along with vegetable oil, mustard seeds and chopped onions in the first stage of the preparation. They are also used to make thoran, vada, rasam and kadhi. In Cambodia, the leaves are roasted and used as an ingredient in a soup, maju krueng.[6] In Java, the leaves are often stewed to flavor gulai. Though available dried, the aroma and flavor is greatly inferior.[5] The oil can be extracted and used to make scented soaps.[6]

The leaves of Murraya koenigii are also used as a herb in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine in which they are believed to possess anti-disease properties,[6][4][6] but there is no high-quality clinical evidence for such effects.

Seeds must be ripe and fresh to plant; dried or shriveled fruits are not viable. One can plant the whole fruit, but it is best to remove the pulp before planting in potting mix that is kept moist but not wet. Stem cuttings can be also used for propagation.[2]

Chemical structure of girinimbine

Compounds found in curry tree leaves, stems, bark, and seeds include cinnamaldehyde,[7] and numerous carbazole alkaloids, including mahanimbine,[8] girinimbine,[9] and mahanine.

Media related to Murraya koenigii at Wikimedia Commons