Curry Leaf
Bergera koenigii
Formerly Murraya koenigii · also Camunium koenigii
Also known as Curry Tree, Curryleaftree
Climate Match for your location
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A tropical shrub prized for its small, aromatic pinnate leaves used extensively in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine. The plant produces small white flowers followed by black berries, and thrives in warm climates as a culinary herb.
Why grow it
Curry leaf offers distinct flavor complexity compared to dried curry powder, with bright, citrusy notes that lose potency quickly once dried, making fresh harvest valuable for cooks prioritizing intensity. Unlike many culinary herbs, this perennial shrub produces edible berries alongside leaves and can reach 3-4 meters tall in suitable climates, providing dual harvests and structural interest in a permaculture planting. The plant tolerates partial shade better than many tropical herbs and requires minimal pest management in most regions where it's hardy.
Watch out for
Curry leaf is sensitive to cold and typically cannot survive sustained temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, so gardeners in temperate climates should plan for container cultivation or seasonal protection. The plant prefers consistent moisture and well-draining soil, as both waterlogging and drought stress can trigger leaf drop, requiring attention to watering during establishment and dry periods.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rutaceae
Native Range
Indian subcontinent
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Murraya koenigii 'Gamthi' is a popular high-yield cultivar known for larger leaves and more compact growth suitable for commercial cultivation.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A tropical shrub prized for its small, aromatic pinnate leaves used extensively in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine. The plant produces small white flowers followed by black berries, and thrives in warm climates as a culinary herb.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Curry Leaf grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Curry leaf offers distinct flavor complexity compared to dried curry powder, with bright, citrusy notes that lose potency quickly once dried, making fresh harvest valuable for cooks prioritizing intensity. Unlike many culinary herbs, this perennial shrub produces edible berries alongside leaves and can reach 3-4 meters tall in suitable climates, providing dual harvests and structural interest in a permaculture planting. The plant tolerates partial shade better than many tropical herbs and requires minimal pest management in most regions where it's hardy.
Watch out for
Curry leaf is sensitive to cold and typically cannot survive sustained temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, so gardeners in temperate climates should plan for container cultivation or seasonal protection. The plant prefers consistent moisture and well-draining soil, as both waterlogging and drought stress can trigger leaf drop, requiring attention to watering during establishment and dry periods.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rutaceae
Native Range
Indian subcontinent
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Murraya koenigii 'Gamthi' is a popular high-yield cultivar known for larger leaves and more compact growth suitable for commercial cultivation.