Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong) Aglaia odorata
Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong) (Aglaia odorata) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Meliaceae family, native to Southern China and Indochina. It grows 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
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Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Mature height | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern China and Indochina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇨🇳 China, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Flowers are used to scent tea; no reliable toxicity data for people or pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong)
- How far apart should I plant Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Flowers are used to scent tea; no reliable toxicity data for people or pets.
- What grows well with Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Chinese perfume plant (mock lime, prayong). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Flora of China, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria (eFloras)
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- Compact, dense evergreen with small, glossy leaflets; sprays of tiny golden bead-like flowers with a strong, sweet scent. A favourite clipped hedge and pot plant in Thai temple and palace gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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