Karuveppilai (Murraya koenigii)

Karuveppilai, kadi patta in Hindi, is the curry leaf tree, a small tree whose aromatic leaves are fried in oil at the start of almost every South Indian dish. Karuveppilai podi and chutney are made with the leaves alone. It has nothing to do with curry powder. Tests in Kerala have repeatedly found pesticide residues on market curry leaves, which is why many families grow their own.

Botanical name: Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.
Family: Rutaceae
Tamil: Karuveppilai
Hindi: Kadi patta
Sanskrit: Kaidarya
Parts used: Leaves, Sometimes fruit
Habit: Small aromatic tree of South Asia grown for its leaves
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Karuveppilai

It is a small tree or shrub, usually two to six metres tall, with dark, smooth bark.

The leaves are pinnate, with eleven to twenty-one small, glossy, pointed leaflets, strongly aromatic when crushed.

Small, white, fragrant flowers grow in clusters at the branch tips.

The fruits are small, shiny berries that ripen from green to purple-black.

Neem leaves are toothed and bitter; curry leaves are smooth-edged and aromatic.

Traditional use of Karuveppilai

Kitchen

Curry leaves are fried with mustard seed and urad dal as the tempering for sambar, rasam, poriyal and buttermilk.

South Indian food practice

Kitchen

Karuveppilai podi, roasted curry leaves ground with dal and chilli, is eaten with rice and ghee.

Tamil food practice

Household

Curry leaves are boiled in coconut oil for a traditional hair oil.

South Indian household practice

Modern notes on Karuveppilai

The leaves contain carbazole alkaloids, such as mahanimbine, studied in laboratories.

Kerala food-safety testing has often found pesticide residues on market curry leaves.

Leaves lose much of their aroma when dried, so fresh leaves are preferred.

Karuveppilai safety

Wash market curry leaves well, or grow your own. Do not eat the seeds of the berries.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to India and Sri Lanka.

Birds eat the ripe berries and spread the seeds.

Its leaves feed caterpillars of the common Mormon and lime butterflies.

Related plants

Also in Rutaceae

Questions about Karuveppilai

Is curry leaf used in curry powder?

Usually not. Curry powder is a separate spice mix.

Can I grow Karuveppilai at home?

Yes, in a sunny pot or garden.

How do I keep leaves fresh?

Store them dry in a closed box in the fridge.

Are the berries of Karuveppilai edible?

The pulp is sweet, but the seeds should not be eaten.

Why wash curry leaves well?

Market leaves often carry pesticide residues.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.