Common Name: Chinese Box

General Information

Murraya paniculata is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree with a fine-textured, compact crown[, ]. It grows from 1.8 - 12 metres tall with a clear bole that can be 2.5 metres long and 60cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree has a wide range of uses. It is valued especially for its essential oil; for the yellow heartwood of larger specimens; and its range of medicinal uses. It is cultivated in India for medicinal use, is often grown as a hedge and is widely planted in the tropics and subtropics as an ornamental, where it is valued especially for the intense orange-blossom fragrance of its flowers and its small red fruits[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, through southeast Asia to Australia.

Habitat

Thickets, montane forests; at elevations from near sea level to 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	7.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of tropical and subtropical areas, where it can be found at elevations from near sea level to about 1,300 metres[]. Tolerates an occasional light frost[]. Plants have been known to survive short-lived frosts with temperatures down to -4°c[].
Prefers a rich, moist, well-drained loam and a position in full sun to part shade[]. Grows best in locations that are sheltered from strong winds[].
The plant is listed as being an invasive species in Florida[].
Plants are intolerant of root disturbance[].
The plant can flower and produce fruits several times each year - heavy flushes of flowers are produced when heavy rain follows a period of dry weather[, ].

Edible Uses

The flowers are used for scenting tea[].

The leaves are used to flavour curries[].

Fruit[]. The orange to vermilion fruit is about 12mm long and 5 - 14mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

Chinese box is a commonly used traditional medicine through most of its native range. A mildly bitter-minty tasting plant, it is warming in effect[]. It is considered to be analgesic, to activate blood circulation and relieve contusions[].
There has been some research into the medicinal properties of the plant, and several medicinally active compounds have been isolated.
The leaves contain 0.01% of an essential oil with cadinene and sesquiterpene[]. They also contain coumarins[].
The flowers also contain essential oil; the glucosides murrayin and scopolin; murrayetin, and indol[, , ].
In one study, coumarins isolated from the leaves were shown to be active in the platelet aggregation assay[].
In a study of the anti-amoebic activity of some medicinal plants used by AIDS patients in southern Thailand, this species was classified as 'moderately active' against Entamoeba histolitica[].

The leaves are astringent, stimulant and tonic[]. They are used in the treatment of dropsy, diarrhoea and dysentery[]. A decoction of the leaves is used as mouthwash for toothaches[].
The powdered leaves are applied externally to fresh cuts[]. A poultice of the fresh leaves is used to treat swellings due to sprain and contusions; poisonous snake bites[].

The bark of the stems and roots is astringent[]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[].
The ground-up bark of the roots is both eaten and applied externally in the treatment of body aches[].

The flowers are stomachic and tonic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is grown as a living fence to protect vegetable gardens[]. It responds well to trimming and can be used as a small hedge which can be limited to as little as 60 - 90cm in height[, ].

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the flowers[]. It is used in perfumery[].
The flowers are used in the production of cosmetics[].
An extract of the leaves is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an antioxidant, skin conditioner and in oral care products[].
The dried, powdered wood is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a humectant[].

The wood and the roots are ground into a sweet-scented powder, known as 'Thanaka Powder', that is used as a cosmetic on the cheeks of women[].

The tree is often too small for its wood to be commercially exploited, but the yellow heartwood obtained from larger specimens is highly valued[]. The wood, even from smaller trees, is used locally to make tool handles, walking sticks, furniture or used for turning[].

Propagation

Seed -

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