Hortiforum

General Info – Curry Myrtle, Curry Leaf Myrtle, Narrow Leaf Myrtle

Curry Myrtle is a unique and aromatic native herb known for its sweet, curry-like flavour, often compared to that of the Curry Leaf tree. It serves as an excellent native alternative to Curry Powder or the common but sometimes tricky-to-manage Curry Leaf tree (given its prolific suckering habit and ready germination of seeds). Like Aniseed Myrtle, Curry Myrtle has a hint of eucalyptus, with some people also noting hints of lavender and honey. For culinary use, firm leaves should be harvested, then crushed or pounded to release their flavour. Alternatively, the leaves can be dried and ground into a powder, or used to infuse oils and vinegars with their fragrant essence. Curry Myrtle can be used in a similar way to Curry Leaf or Curry Powder, enhancing a variety of dishes such as curries, soups, and stews. Other native myrtles with fragrant leaves include Lemon Myrtle, Cinnamon Myrtle, and Aniseed Myrtle.
Curry Myrtle is native primarily to the dry rainforests of southeastern and central Queensland, with isolated populations found in far north Queensland and northeastern New South Wales. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral and can tolerate conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun. To ensure healthy growth, plants should be kept well-watered during dry spells in summer.
Curry Myrtle has a unmistakable Australian appearance and is well-suited for ornamental cultivation. Its narrow leaves are small and elliptical to ovate in shape, resembling those of its relative, Pitanguinha, in the Myrtaceae family. The highly aromatic, dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking an edible privacy hedge. Typical of plants within the Myrtle family, their flowering is beautiful, bursting forth from spring-summer with pale cream flowers with elongated white stamens that gives clusters of flowers a fluffy appearance. The plant has rough, fissured bark and can grow to a height of 5-7 metres and a width of 2-4 metres when mature, though it can be pruned and shaped to maintain a desired size. For optimal growth, it’s beneficial to harvest and prune regularly, allowing gardeners to enjoy the aromatic leaves while encouraging a bushy form. Curry Myrtle is also well-suited for cultivation in pots and containers, where it can be kept as a compact shrub around 1-2 metres tall. This makes it an ideal ornamental specimen for courtyards or balconies, requiring only the leaves for culinary use and no need for a larger size.

Plant Profile/Properties