Flowers & Fruits of the Curry Tree

Most Singaporeans should be familiar with the curry tree. Its aromatic leaves are indispensable for various curries. It also has medicinal uses. Botanically, this plant is called Murraya koenigii where the species name commemorates the botanist Johann Koenig. This plant is a member of the utaceae family and do you !now that oranges "Citrus spp.# and the rue plant "Ruta graveolens# are members of this plant family$ The curry tree is commonly sold as young plants of about %& cm tall. They can be propagated from stem'cuttings and seeds. (s its common name suggests, these small young plants can grow into a small tree when they are grown in the ground. Medicinal and spice gardens can grow a row of the curry tree as a hedge)

The white flowers of the curry tree. The curry tree can be constrained to a manageable si*e by growing them inside a large container and sub+ecting them to regular pruning. It is not unusual to see high'rise apartment dwellers growing this plant along their corridors and balconies that en+oy a couple of hours of direct sunshine. ( plant that is native to India, the curry tree does produce flowers in Singapore. The small but attractive, white flowers are produced in a bunch at the end of branch. Besides being attractive, the flowers are also scented. If one regularly prunes down his,her plant, it would be difficult to observe and appreciate the flowering of this plant.

Fruits of the curry tree. -hat follows the dainty white flowers is the appearance of small, oval, shiny berries. The fruits are green when they first form which subse.uently become red and finally turning blac! in colour when they are fully ripe. They are said to be edible and rich in ascorbic acid "/itamin 0#. They tasted sweet when fully ripe fruits are consumed but are accompanied by a characteristic odour. 1owever, the eating .uality is compromised by the small amount of pulp that surrounded a fairly large, single seed inside each berry. Be careful not to chew into or swallow the seeds as they are reported to be to2ic.