| Choisya ternata | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Rutaceae |
| Genus: | Choisya |
| Species: | C. ternata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Choisya ternata Kunth
[1]
| |
| Synonyms [1] | |
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Choisya ternata is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae, [1] known as Mexican orange blossom or Mexican orange.
Description
Choisya ternata is an evergreen shrub, growing up to 3 m (10 ft) in height. Its leaves have three leaflets (hence ternata) and are aromatic, releasing a smell reminiscent of basil when crushed. [2] The white flowers are scented, appearing in spring (sometimes with limited repeat flowering in autumn). [3]
Distribution and habitat
Choisya ternata originates from Mexico. It is drought tolerant, preferring well drained soils. [3]
Cultivation
Choisya ternata is widely grown as an ornamental shrub in suitable climates. It tolerates temperatures down to −10 °C (14 °F) but is severely damaged by temperatures lower than −15 °C (5 °F). It responds well to pruning and shaping. [3]
In addition to the species, a number of cultivars are grown, including the golden-leaved C. ternata 'Lich' (usually sold under the name Sundance), [4] and the inter-specific hybrid C. 'Aztec Pearl' ( C. dumosa var. arizonica × C. ternata). [5] The species and these two cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Phytochemistry
Many quinoline alkaloids have been isolated from leaves of C. ternata. [6] C. ternata contains an alkaloid (ternanthranin), a volatile simple anthranilate, that was shown to have pain-killing effects in mice. [7]
References
- ^ a b c "Choisya ternata", The Plant List, retrieved 2016-08-02
- ^ "Mexican mock orange - KPU Plant DB". plantdatabase.kpu.ca. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
- ^ a b c Phillips, Roger & Rix, Martyn (1989), Shrubs, London: Pan Books, p. 35, ISBN 0-330-30258-2
- ^ "Choisya ternata Sundance = 'Lich' (PBR)", Plant Selector, Royal Horticultural Society, archived from the original on 2012-12-24, retrieved 2016-08-02
- ^ "Choisya × dewitteana 'Aztec Pearl'", Plant Selector, Royal Horticultural Society, archived from the original on 2012-12-24, retrieved 2016-08-02
- ^ Boyd, D.R.; Sharma, N.D.; Loke, P.L.; Malone, J.F.; McRoberts, W.C. & Hamilton, J.T.G. (2007), "Synthesis, structure and stereochemistry of quinoline alkaloids from Choisya ternata", Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, 5 (18): 2983–91, doi: 10.1039/b707576f, PMID 17728865
- ^ Radulović, N.S.; Miltojević, A.B.; McDermott, M.; Waldren, S.; Parnell, J.A.; Pinheiro, M.M.; Fernandes, P.D. & de Sousa Menezes, F. (2011), "Identification of a new antinociceptive alkaloid isopropyl N-methylanthranilate from the essential oil of Choisya ternata Kunth.", Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 135 (3): 610–619, doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.03.035, hdl: 2262/55877, PMID 21420481