Choisya ternata

Life-forms

Classification System: APG IV

Superregnum: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiosperms
Cladus: Eudicots
Cladus: Core eudicots
Cladus: Rosids
Cladus: Eurosids II
Ordo: Sapindales

Familia: Rutaceae
Subfamilia: Amyridoideae
Genus: Choisya
Species: Choisya ternata
Name

Choisya ternata Kunth
References

F. W. H. A. von Humboldt et al., Nov. gen. sp. 6:5[folio]; 6:6[quarto]. 1823
USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network. Choisya ternata in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. Accessed: 07-Oct-06.

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 'Aztec Pearl'

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

"Choisya ternata", The Plant List, retrieved 2016-08-02
"Choisya ternata". Plant Database. Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
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