The spice mix Americans call curry is known as marsala in India.
Southeast Indian food buffs will want Murraya koenigii -- also called curry leaf tree or curry leaf plant -- in their kitchen herb garden. The leaves of this small tree add heat and spice to traditional Indian dishes like upma and ramen. While the murraya prefers subtropical climates, United States gardeners grow it in containers in the house.
Curry
Not all curries are created equal. Many nurseries sell a small potted plant with yellow flower balls as "curry plant," when in fact the plant, Helichrysum italicum, has nothing to do with the curry in Indian foods. Although the curry plant smells warm and spicy, it is too bitter for consumption. The Indian spice mix termed "curry" in the United States is "marsala" in India. The ingredients in marsala vary among regions, families and seasons, but often include cumin, ginger, tumeric, coriander and cinnamon.
Curry Leaf Tree
The murraya (curry leaf tree) is a leafy shrub that develops white flowers in the summer months. In India, the plant grows to 6 feet tall, but it remains pot-sized in a container in the kitchen. In its natural habitat, the murraya's flowers turn black and form small hard berries, which propagate the plant. Most American plants do not get beyond the white flower stage. This is unimportant for cooking as the leaves, not the flowers, provide the heat. To cook with the true curry leaf, heat butter or oil until almost smoking, then add some leaves. They release their curry flavor into the oil.
Sun and Water
Container-grown murraya require full sun -- a window with southern exposure works well -- and indoor temperatures that do not dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity of 50 percent proves ideal for this plant, but the curry leaf tree tolerates somewhat less humidity. It needs regular water to thrive, but also needs to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer and Pruning
Murraya prefer water to food. Light feeders, these plants require minimal fertilizer. Gardeners should mix up a balanced fertilizer with water and offer it once a month during the growing season. All feeding should stop in winter. While the plant might need an occasional broken branch removed, regular pruning is not necessary. The plant tolerates pruning, however, so feel free to clip if it outgrows its space.
Troubles and Pests
Curry leaf trees do not attract insects and are relatively pest-free. Mealybugs from infected plant neighbors may hop over to the curry tree, so keep an eye on all your plants. Root rot problems appear if you water the tree too much during the winter months. Extreme watering in summer can cause edema, swollen lesions on the backsides of the leaves. Reduce water immediately since plants can lose leaves or collapse entirely if the edema continues.
Tags: leaf tree, curry leaf, curry leaf, curry leaf tree, curry plant, marsala India, United States
