The Curry Tree

Hindi Name –  Kaddipatta, Meetha Neem

Sanskrit Name – Alakavhaya, Chhardighna 

Botanical Name – Murraya Koenigii

Curry tree is a spice tree. Curry tree belongs to the Rutaceae family. Curry tree attains the height of ten to fifteen feet & diameter between eight to ten inches. It is small a small evergreen tree with dark brown bark. The curry tree is found in every home’s kitchen garden though It is known as a medicinal tree too.

Curry tree grows well in all types of soils. You can grow the tree by seed or you may buy the plant from a nursery. It can be planted indoor & outdoor as well. Curry plants hold their roots well within two months. You can take the harvest post two years. To grow it better pruning is to be carried out of curry tree. Organic manure is best suited for curry trees.  

Curry tree leaves color is dark green.  They are two-inch long & half-inch wide.  Curry tree leaves have a mouth-watering aroma. South Indian dishes are incomplete without curry leaves. Curry leaves enhance the taste of the food.

Curry tree flowers are of white color & have a fragrance. Later flowers become the fruit. 

Initially, the curry tree fruit is whitish-green & later becomes black. Its pulp is edible & seeds are toxic. It is advisable to cut the seeds out before consuming the fruit.  

As the curry tree is a medicinal plant it is used to treat various ailments locally. Curry leaves powder is good for gastric disorders, good in constipation, sickness, reduces stress, improves eyesight, retains hair color if consumed regularly.  

Regular consumption of curry leaves boosts your immunity & protects you from unforeseen allergies.        

Coimbatore, Periyar, Madurai, Salem, Trichy of Tamil Nadu are the largest producers of curry leaves though it is grown in most of the homes in India.