The Curry Tree, also known as Karivepallai or Kadipatta is a tropical to sub-tropical tree in the family Rutaceae. Curry Tree is native to India and produces the leaves known as Curry leaves or Sweet Neem leaves. Curry leaves are cultivated in different parts of extreme north and south India. The Curry trees are also now maintained in homestead gardens, as in Kerala or in leaf farms as in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Orissa. The western world is fast importing actively to Indian curry leaf for relishing tangy foodstuffs that are not too hot. The small and narrow leaves of Curry plant somewhat look like the leaves of the Neem tree; therefore they are also referred to as Karuveppilai (translated to Black Neem leaf) in Tamil and Malayalam, Karu or Kari meaning black, ilai meaning leaves and veppilai meaning Neem leaf. In the Kannada language, curry plant is known as Kari Bevu and Karivepaku in Telugu, again translating to the same meaning Black Neem leaf. Other names of Curry tree include Kari Patta (Hindi), which probably is a corrupt translation of Karuveppilai, noroxingha (Assamese), Bhursunga Patra (Oriya), Kadhi Patta (Marathi), Mithho Limdo (Gujarati) and Karapincha (Sinhalese).
 

Curry tree is a small tree, growing 4-6 m tall, with a trunk up to 40 cm diameter. The leaves are pinnate in shape, with 11-21 leaflets; each leaflet is 2-4 cm long and 1-2 cm broad. They are highly aromatic. The flowers are small white, and fragrant. The small black, shiny berries are edible, but their seeds are poisonous.

The leaves of Curry tree are highly valued as seasoning in South Indian and Sri Lankan cooking, much like bay leaves and especially in curries with fish or coconut milk. In their fresh form, they have a short shelf life though they may be stored in a freezer for quite some time; however, this can result in a loss of their flavour. They are also available in dried form, though the aroma is much inferior. The leaves of Murraya koenigii are also used as an herb in Ayurvedic medicine. The properties of Curry Plant include much value as an antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-hypercholesterolemic and so on. Curry Plant is found in almost all parts of India nowadays and the leaves are extensively used in culinary items.

Curry leaf is one of my favourite spices, with its fern-like leaves that only need to be brushed against or gently touched to share their spicy aroma, with overtones of citrus and anise. The scent is so refreshing, that it instantly tantalises the taste buds. An attractive, upright, branching tree growing 2-5 metres (although I have seen one much taller that seemed to be heading for heaven, as it was planted beside a two storey house). Clusters of small, white fragrant flowers form in summer, followed by 1cm edible, shiny black berries. The curry leaf tree requires rich, well-drained soil in a warm, sheltered position, as it is a tropical to sub-tropical tree. With regular watering during dry times, the tree will flourish. The tree will adapt to warm temperate areas, and if wishing to grow it in colder climates, keep it in a large pot and move it to a warm verandah in winter. In cold areas the tree may go dormant in winter.

Kadipatta Curry Tree or Sweet Neem leaf benefits The leaves of the curry tree can be for providing relief to pain caused by kidney stones. It can also help in cleansing the urinary tract, preventing bacterial infections. Curry also has tonic properties and can be mixed with honey of buttermilk to create an herbal drink which can strengthen the digestive system. It can also help in treating dysentery and diarrhea. Curry leaves can also be applied externally on skin to serve as a treatment for minor skin infections and skin eruptions. The leaves of the curry tree can also be made into juice and used as a treatment for eye disorders and for preventing cataracts. The root and the bark of the curry plant also has medicinal properties. They can be ground into powder form and can be used for treating diabetes. It is important, however, that diabetic patients do not solely rely on this treatment and should always follow their doctor's instructions. The fruit of the curry plant is also edible and can be used for the effective relief and treatment of stings and bites of some poisonous creatures.