South African Curry Leaf (Murrya Koenigii)

South African Curry leaf is one of the most potent curry leaves you will ever find. They are hard to come by and usually the stems are a bit reddish. For cooking, the South African variety has much stronger curry smell and more intense in flavour and is quite similar to the Malaysian and Indonesian variety. 

Curry leaf plants are a component of the Indian seasoning called curry and they are very popular amongst the South East Asian dishes as well. Curry leaf herb is a culinary plant whose leaves are used as an aromatic and the fruit of the plant is a component of desserts in some Eastern nations. The plant is tropical to sub-tropical and produces small fragrant white flowers that become small, black, berry-like fruits. The fruit is edible, but the seed is poisonous and must be removed prior to use. The foliage is the real standout and are arranged alternately on the stem, pinnate and comprised of many leaflets. The aromatic scent is spicy and heady and best when the leaves are fresh.

Plants are about 1.5 years old.  

Plant Care

• Soil: Prefers well-draining, rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, reduce watering during the cooler months.
• Temperature: Ideal temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. Protect from frost.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Fertilising: Fertilize with a balanced NPK ratio such as 10-10-10 every three months during the growing season.
• Pruning: Prune to encourage bushiness and remove any dead or diseased branches. Harvest leaves as needed, which also encourages new growth.
• Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pest Control: Monitor for pests like aphids and scale. Use appropriate organic treatments as necessary.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Produces small white flowers and black, inedible berries. The leaves are the primary culinary product.
• Potting: Suitable for container growing. Choose a pot with good drainage and repot every couple of years.
• Feeding Regime: Regular applications of a balanced fertilizer enhance leaf production and overall plant health.