Murraya paniculata
including other Murraya species and cultivars
Family: Rutaceae
Alternative names: Mock orange, Orange Jessamine, Orange Jasmine, Murraya exotica
Murraya paniculata is one of the most popular hedging plants around South East Queensland.
Its vigorous nature make it suitable for large formal, semi-formal or informal hedges. For short formal hedges under 1.5 m, consider slower growing and more densely foliaged alternatives.
However, there is now at least one dwarf cultivar of Murraya on the market which may prove suitable for miniature hedges.
The regular species can be trained as a small tree.
Perfumed creamy flowers are also a feature if not removed by hedging treatments. The name Mock Orange comes from their similarity to orange blossom, and indeed Murraya is the same family as Citrus. There is also a citrusy aroma when the leaves are crushed, and small red fruits follow the flowers.
Murraya paniculata (also known as M. ovatifolioata or M paniculata var. ovatifolioata) is a native of Australia, but it the plants commonly in cultivation probably originated in Asia (Reference: Wrigley J.W. and Fagg, M. 1998 Australian native Plants (4th Ed) Reed New Holland, Sydney p423). Murraya exotica is usually referred to as a synonym of M. paniculata, although some consider there to be two separate species. Wrigley and Fagg refer to the cultivated Murraya as M. exotica. Other plants known as "Mock Orange" include Choisya ternata and Philadelphus species, but are less suitable for subtropical climates.
A drawback of Murraya is that it is considered an environmental weed in many districts. (e.g Lismore City Council.) If anyone has any information about sterile cultivars of Murraya paniculata, if they exist, please get in touch. Alternatives such as Lilly Pillies are another option.
Also, if the citrus disease Huanglongbin ("Yellow Dragon" disease - see pests page) and its psyllid vector invade Australia, what will be the fate of Murraya, which is an alternate host to the psyllid?
Where to buy Murraya in Qld
Common Murraya is widely available in Queensland garden centres. For nurseries in Qld offering large sized plants suitable for instant hedges for sale, try looking here: Advanced Plants.
Breeders, growers, distributors, or promoters can use this page to tell us about their special Murraya releases or where to buy them in Queensland. Information for Advertisers
More Links
Murraya National Weeds Strategy, Australia
Murraya paniculata factsheet, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, USA (PDF)
Murraya exotica L. factsheet from United States Dept Agriculture Forest Service, USA (PDF)
Possible Misspellings: Muraya, Murrhaya, Murria, Marraya, Morraya, Marrhaya, Morrhaya
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