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Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.

Synonym                    : Bergera koenigii L.

Family                        : Rutaceae

Local Names              : Kariveppila, Karivepu, Curry leaf tree

Flowering and fruiting period: March – July  

Distribution: Indo-Malaysia and China

Habitat: Cultivated

IUCN status: Data Deficient

Endemic: No

Uses: The pungent, aromatic leaves are a common ingredient in curries. Curry leaf contains several medically active constituents including a glycoside called koenigin, an essential oil and tannins. The leaves, roots and bark can all be used internally in the treatment of digestive problems. It has been shown that the leaves increase digestive secretions and relieve nausea, indigestion and vomiting. The leaves can be used internally in treating constipation, colic and diarrhoea. A paste made from the bark is applied to the bites of poisonous insects and other animals. The leaves are thought to be a hair tonic in India, where it is believed that they can prevent the hair greying.

Key Characters: Shrubs or small trees.  Leaves pinnate, crowded at twig-ends; leaflets 15-25, asymmetrical, oblique, oblong-lanceolate, margin entire, apex acute.  Panicles terminal, corymbose, many-flowered.  Flowers small, white.  Petals 5, white, linear, sparsely glandular, rounded and slightly recurved at apex. Stamens 10, 5 longer than the others; anthers oblong.  Ovary globose; stigma capitate.  Berry subglobose, purplish-black when ripe.  Seeds 1-2, green, globular-ovoid.