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Mexican orange

Scientific Name: Choisya

Family: Rutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Mexican Orange Blossom (Choisya ternata)

The Mexican Orange Blossom, scientifically known as Choisya ternata, is a popular evergreen shrub prized for its fragrant white flowers and aromatic foliage. It's a favorite among gardeners for its ease of care and attractive appearance.

Common Names

  • Mexican Orange Flower
  • Mexican Orange Blossom
  • Mock Orange

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the leaves and foliage of Choisya ternata are aromatic when brushed against, which may attract the attention of some pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that the plant is commonly known as "Mock Orange" due to the similarity of its flowers to those of an orange tree. The etymology of the name also mentions the resemblance of the flower to that of an orange tree. Children might be interested in the origin of the name and the plant's connection to oranges.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Choisya
  • Family: Rutaceae (Rue family)
  • Choisya is a small genus of aromatic evergreen shrubs.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Mexico.
  • Choisya ternata is noted as one of the few shrubs native to Mexico that will grow in the UK.
  • Choisya dumosa (Starleaf Mexican orange) grows in sandy and rocky slopes in the Trans-Pecos area, extending into New Mexico and Arizona.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Evergreen shrub with aromatic, palmately divided leaves.
  • Fragrant, star-shaped white flowers.
  • C. ternata is a rounded, medium-sized bushy shrub with dark, glossy green leaves divided into three broad leaflets.
  • Typically grows to a height and width of around 3 meters (9 feet).
  • Neat, compact habit.

Cultivation and Uses

  • Suitable for hot, sunny mixed borders or shady borders.
  • Effective as an informal flowering hedge.
  • Useful for city gardens.
  • Requires minimal maintenance.
  • An annual trim after flowering is recommended to maintain shape.

Varieties

  • 'Sundance' (syn. 'Lich'): A golden-leaved variety with bright yellow foliage. May not flower as profusely as other varieties.
  • 'Aztec Pearl': Has narrower leaves compared to the standard Choisya ternata.