The genus

Genus

In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...

 Murraya comprises 12 species

Species

In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...

 in the family Rutaceae

Rutaceae

Rutaceae, commonly known as the rue or citrus family, is a family of flowering plants, usually placed in the order Sapindales.Species of the family generally have flowers that divide into four or five parts, usually with strong scents...

, including the Curry Tree

Curry Tree

The curry tree is a tropical to sub-tropical tree in the family Rutaceae, which is native to India...

. This genus, along with genera Clausena

Clausena

Clausena is a genus of evergreen plant in the subfamily Aurantioideae within the family Rutaceae, native to Asia and Australia. It was first defined by N.L. Birman in 1768. The type species is Clausena excavata....

and Glycosmis

Glycosmis

Glycosmis is a genus of plant in family Rutaceae.Species include:* Glycosmis crassifolia* Glycosmis decipiens* Glycosmis longisepala* Glycosmis monticola* Glycosmis perakensis* Glycosmis tomentella...

within the same family, are a major source of carbazole

Carbazole

Carbazole is an aromatic heterocyclic organic compound. It has a tricyclic structure, consisting of two six-membered benzene ring fused on either side of a five-membered nitrogen-containing ring...

 alkaloid

Alkaloid

Alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds that contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms. This group also includes some related compounds with neutral and even weakly acidic properties. Also some synthetic compounds of similar structure are attributed to alkaloids...

s. Parts of these trees are used in folk medicine and the leaves of M. koenigii are and ingredient in curry

Curry

Curry is a generic description used throughout Western culture to describe a variety of dishes from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Thai or other Southeast Asian cuisines...

. The genus has important horticultural uses in landscaping, as well.

Selected species

• Murraya alata Drake
• Murraya koenigii
  Curry Tree
  The curry tree is a tropical to sub-tropical tree in the family Rutaceae, which is native to India...
  
  (L.) Sprengel (Curry Tree
  Curry Tree
  The curry tree is a tropical to sub-tropical tree in the family Rutaceae, which is native to India...
  
  , Curry Patta)
• Murraya ovatifoliolata (Engl.) Domin
• Murraya paniculata
  Murraya paniculata
  Murraya paniculata, commonly called orange jasmine, is a tropical, evergreen plant bearing small, white, scented flowers, which is grown as an ornamental tree or hedge. Murraya is closely related to Citrus.- Synonyms and Common & Local Names :...
  
  (L.) Jack (Orange Jessamine)
• Murraya stenocarpa (Drake) Swingle

External links

• A Chemotaxonomic Study of Murraya