Common Name: Horsewood. Tamil Name: Kattukarugapallai
Horsewood has is small tree with widespread distribution over Africa and Asia. Often found on slopes of Western Ghats-it prefers the dry deciduous regions. The leaves are single pinnate; the leaf margin is slightly crenate. The leafs are arranged in an alternate manner; 5 pairs of leaflets are seen and the axis ends with a leaflet. The size of the leaflet increases towards the apex. The entire leaf measures around 20.5 cm in length. The leaflets are ovate in shape with an unequal base and an acuminate tip. Each leaflet measure around 6 cm. They are gland dotted and strongly aromatic. The inflorescence is in the form of an axillary raceme. The flowers have five distinct white petals. The flower stalk measure around 3-4 mm; each petals measurers around 3 mm. The flower has 10 anther elements. The fruit is in the form of a berry with a single seed. Horsewood is the larval host plant for Common Mormon and Lime swordtail butterflies. The aromatic leaves are used in Indian cooking to enhance flavor to dishes- mostly by village folks and tribals. The tree is very similar to Curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii), but has a distinctly different fruity aroma.
