I just cannot believe my eyes when I caught sight of the workers at the nursery unloading the Aglaia Odorata plants from the lorry one morning as I was passing by ! I had been looking out for this plant ever since I read about its sweet fragrance. Check out the photos of this beautiful plant from these links : - http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchidtalk/jungle/20892-my-fragrant-hedge-4-aglaia-odorata-chinese-perfume-plant.html and http://www.rareflora.com/aglaiaodo.html.
The plant does resemble the Murraya paniculata (posted 23 August 2010) , but the leaves are more rounded at the tips, compact and arranged in a floral manner as they form. It is supposed to be a slow grower and being a small plant, I can surely find a place for it amongst my collection of fragrant plants. The main appeal, however, is that the flowers are petite round yellow balls - very unique, very different !
The nursery was selling one small plant for RM 8 so I did not have second thoughts about buying one plant immediately. It was only upon reaching home that it strike me that in my excitement I forget to check if the plant's root system was properly developed. Previously I had a bad experience where once I bought a plant from a vendor that was just a cutting without any roots at all ! I realized this only when I transferred it to a pot from the black poly bag. So this time, just to be safe - I am just leaving the plant in its polybag until a time I can see some roots appearing at the bottom of the poly bag or some signs of new growth ! Just have to keep my fingers crossed that this is not just a cutting ! I have bought many plants from this nursery and never had problems before, but some how I guess after a bad experience, I just can't help being a bit worried and anxious.
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| The tiny round pearls are the green buds - eventually they will turn yellow in color |
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| Keeping the plant in its polybag standing in pot |
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| Leaves are arranged in a floral pattern which is really attractive |
It has been about four days since I bought the plant - touch wood it is looking good. From what I gathered about this plant, this plant is rather fuss free and easy to care for. It is a rather hardy plant - grows in semi shade to full sunlight. Like most tropical plants, it likes moisture, warmth and well drained soil. Right now I am leaving it under some shade and watering it sparingly. Yes, and you guessed it - I am also checking it vigilantly !
