Fauna
Plant

Orange Jasmine

Murraya paniculata

Also known as Orange Jessamine, China Box, Cosmetic Barktree, Mock Orange

Dense glossy foliage and intense sweet blossoms make orange jasmine a standout feature of subtropical understories and landscaped gardens alike. Clusters of delicate white flowers release a heady, citrus-like perfume that peaks after evening rainfall, drawing nocturnal moths and native bees from great distances. Though cherished as an ornamental hedge, it readily escapes cultivation into riparian zones and rainforest margins, where bird-dispersed seeds form thickets that outcompete native understory flora.

FragrantEvergreenFlowering
Orange Jasmine reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic via photosynthesis
Predators
  • Citrus swallowtail caterpillars
  • Asian citrus psyllid
  • Fruit-eating birds
ThreatsHabitat clearance in wild ranges; treated as an invasive weed in non-native habitats
HabitatsRainforest margins, dry vine scrubs, coastal thickets, urban hedges
Life span20–50 years
Classification
  1. OrderSapindales
  2. FamilyRutaceae
  3. GenusMurraya
  4. SpeciesMurraya paniculata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Scent Appreciation: Visit during early evening or immediately following warm rains when flower fragrance peaks.
  • Butterfly Spotting: Inspect the tender new foliage for lime-green swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.
  • Garden Containment: Prune regularly to prevent prolific berry formation and avoid seeding into wild bushland.
Related species
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