What is Seven-League fragrant plant
In the courtyards of the south and urban green spaces, clusters of white flowers adorned with branches and the fragrance lingering endlessly can always be seen, which is the much-loved Seven-League fragrant plant. As an aromatic representative of the Rutaceae family, it not only carries the typical characteristics of the Murraya genus but also becomes a star species in garden landscapes due to its unique biological habits and ornamental value.
Seven-League fragrant plant morphological characteristics
Plant family origin
Seven-League fragrant plant (Murraya paniculata) is a perennial evergreen small tree of the Murraya genus in the Rutaceae family, which is related to citrus plants. It is mainly distributed in areas south of 28 degrees north latitude, forming natural communities in provinces such as Guangdong, Fujian, and (T-W), often creating subtropical vegetation landscapes with camphor trees and banyan trees.
Branches, leaves, flowers, and fruit characteristics
The plant can grow up to 12 meters, with a grayish-white trunk that is glossy. The odd-pinnate compound leaves consist of 3-7 small leaflets, with leathery, elliptical-shaped leaves and wavy edges forming unique textures. During the blooming period from April to September, the corymbose cyme produces snow-white five-petaled flowers about 2 centimeters in diameter, with golden stamens and fragrance molecules that can be carried by the wind for a kilometer. The orange-red berries are narrow and elliptical, hanging like strings of coral beads from the branches when mature.
Ecological habits characteristics
Light and temperature requirements
As a typical sun-loving plant, it requires more than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The optimal growth temperature is between 20-32°C, and mature plants can briefly tolerate -3°C low temperatures, but prolonged temperatures below 0°C can cause frost damage. In the north, cultivation requires greenhouse wintering.
Soil and water management
It prefers loose and breathable slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5), and heavy clay soil needs to be mixed with 30% river sand for improvement. It is drought-resistant and requires drainage and flood prevention during the rainy season. Keep the soil slightly moist in spring and autumn, and spray the leaves with water in the morning and evening during the hot summer to increase humidity.
Garden planting practice
Landscape application forms
What is Seven-League fragrant plant
It can be shaped into spherical, pagoda-like, or other forms through pruning, making it suitable for main landscape trees, hedges, or potted landscapes. When planted with crape myrtle and camellia, it can create a seasonal alternation of flowering effects.
Key points of maintenance
Apply a phosphorus-potassium compound fertilizer every month during the growing season, and add bone meal before flowering to promote bud differentiation. Pay attention to the prevention and control of leaf miners, red spiders, and other pests, and regularly use neem extract for biological control. Perform shaping pruning every spring, retaining 3-5 main branches to form an open tree crown.
As an aromatic plant with both ornamental and practical value, Seven-League fragrant plant excels in improving the microclimate and repelling mosquitoes. Mastering its growth patterns and maintenance techniques will allow this plant to continue thriving in the courtyard, becoming a green link between nature and life.