Murraya

Description

Murraya is a genus of flowering plants in the citrus family, Rutaceae. It is native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The genus contains approximately 14 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees, with Murraya paniculata being the most popular species cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Taxonomic Information

Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Murraya

Appearance

Murraya is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 3-6 meters tall. It has dark green, glossy leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. The leaves are pinnate with 3-7 leaflets, and they emit a pleasant citrus scent when crushed. The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, round berry that turns from green to orange when ripe.

Care Guide

Water: Murraya prefers well-draining soil that is kept consistently moist. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.
Fertilization: Feed Murraya with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Soil: Murraya prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Use a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: Murraya prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Hardiness Zones: Murraya is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, but it can be grown in colder climates as a houseplant or in a greenhouse.

Common Pests & Diseases

Murraya is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can still be affected by a few common problems. The most common pests are scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The most common diseases are fungal leaf spot and root rot, which can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and not overwatering the plant.

Habitat

Murraya is native to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and scrublands. In cultivation, it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens, parks, and landscapes.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Murraya toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Murraya contains alkaloids that can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities.Q: Can Murraya be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Murraya can be grown indoors as a houseplant if given enough sunlight and humidity.Q: How often should I prune my Murraya?
A: Prune Murraya as needed to maintain its shape and size. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.Q: Can I propagate Murraya from cuttings?
A: Yes, Murraya can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in moist potting soil.

Related Plants

• Citrus
• Phellodendron
• Skimmia
• Tetradium
• Zanthoxylum

References

• “Murraya paniculata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e235.
• “Murraya (Rutaceae) in Thailand.” Thailand Nature Project. Accessed August 23, 2021. http://www.thailandnatureproject.com/murraya-rutaceae-in-thailand.html.
• “Murraya paniculata.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed August 23, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st274.