Choisya ternata is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae,[ known as Mexican orange blossom or Mexican orange.
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Description
Choisya ternata is an evergreen shrub, growing up to in height. Its leaves have three leaflets (hence ternata) and are aromatic, releasing a smell reminiscent of basil when crushed.[
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Distribution and habitat
Choisya ternata originates from Mexico. It is drought tolerant, preferring well drained soils.[
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Cultivation
Choisya ternata is widely grown as an ornamental shrub in suitable climates. It tolerates temperatures down to but is severely damaged by temperatures lower than . It responds well to pruning and shaping.[
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In addition to the species, a number of are grown, including the golden-leaved C. ternata 'Lich' (usually sold under the name ),[ and the inter-specific hybrid C. 'Aztec Pearl' ( Choisya dumosa var. arizonica × C. ternata).][ The species and these two cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
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Phytochemistry
Many quinoline alkaloids have been isolated from leaves of C. ternata.[ C. ternata contains an alkaloid (ternanthranin), a volatile simple anthranilate, that was shown to have pain-killing effects in mice.][
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