Bergera

Bergera is a genus of flowering plants in the citrus family, Rutaceae. The circumscription of Bergera is disputed, but many sources treat Bergera koenigii as the only species in the genus, commonly known as the curry leaf tree or curry tree. Other taxonomic treatments place the species in the genus Murraya as Murraya koenigii, in which case Bergera would be a synonym or subgeneric grouping.

Bergera koenigii is a small evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It typically grows to several meters in height and has pinnate leaves with numerous glossy leaflets. The crushed leaves release a distinctive curry aroma, which is a hallmark of its culinary use. The tree produces small flowers followed by orange-red berries, though the fruits are not widely consumed.

Distribution and habitat: The plant is native to India, Sri Lanka, and neighboring regions, and it has been cultivated broadly in tropical and subtropical areas. In suitable climates it may naturalize outside its native range.

Uses and cultivation: The leaves are widely used in South Asian cuisines for seasoning and flavoring, added fresh or dried to curries, chutneys, and spice blends. Horticulturally, Bergera koenigii is grown as an ornamental tree in warm climates and requires warm temperatures, full sun to partial shade, and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a variety of soils but prefers moist, fertile conditions; it can be susceptible to pests such as scale insects and aphids, and to root rot if drainage is poor.

See also: curry leaf tree, Murraya.