Native to Southeast Asia. An open, fast-growing shrub related to citrus that reaches 615 feet tall and wide. Good as hedge, filler, or foundation plant. Sometimes grown as small single- or multi- trunked tree. Has graceful, pendulous branches with glossy, dark green leaves divided into three to nine oval, 1- to 2 inches leaflets. Blooms in late summer and fall (sometimes in spring). The white, bell-shaped blossoms have a wonderful jasmine fragrance. On mature plants, small red fruit follows flowers. Blooms attract bees. Reseeds and may become weedy.
A dwarf variety is usually sold as M. exotica. It is slower growing, more upright, and more compact than the species, reaching 6 feet tall, 4 feet wide. Its leaves are a lighter shade of green and have smaller, stiffer leaflets; bloom is usually less profuse.
Needs rich soil, frequent feeding. Subject to the same pests as citrus; also susceptible to nematodes.
