Choisya ternata
Common name
Mexican orange blossom
Family
Rutaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Brief description
Compact suckering shrub; dark-green trifoliate leaves in opposite pairs, fragrant when crushed; flowers 5-petaled, white, fragrant. Suckers can extend beyond planted specimens (e.g. under paths) and may be long-persistent in gardens after shrubs are removed.
Habitat
Prefers well-drained sunny sites. Withstands light frost.
Detailed description
“The flowers are star-shaped, 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in) diameter, with 4-7 white petals [mostly 5], 8-15 stamens and a green stigma; they are produced throughout the late spring and summer. The fruit is a leathery two to six sectioned capsule.’ Wikipedia
Flowering
Spring and early summer
Flower colours
White
Propagation technique
Root divisions
Year naturalised
2002
Origin
Mexico
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Etymology
ternata: Triplets