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DON’T worry, folks. The word “mock” is not frightening. The title is not about fakes or pseudo plants or limau kasturi.  It is about real, lovely ornamental plants that you can possess, potter around and hold in your hands.

Mock Lime is the common name of an evergreen perennial shrub that produces very fragrant flowers virtually throughout the year.  It is also sometimes known as Mock Lemon or Chinese Perfume Plant. Botanically, it is known as Aglaia odorata.  

This variety of plant also bears more than ten synonyms which contributes to the confusion among newbies digging for information in the internet.

Belonging to the family Meliaceae, it is found naturally in vast swaths in the Orient, including many countries in South East Asia such as Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The common name of mock lime is attributable to its peculiar fragrance that emits from the trusses of flowers that are produced all over the plant.

The aroma stimulates the olfactory facility in the body to bring back days of old when such a sweet scent was linked to lemon or lime fruits.  

The fragrance is so impactful that retired old folks nearing a century today are still able to recall the lovely and relaxing atmosphere due to the aroma.

It is therefore not surprising to see that such plants are still cultivated in many places as solitary plantings, in pots, in beds as hedges or fence linings, or in assorted formations on the ground.  

When cultivated on the ground, the plant is able to attain a fairly good height that usually ranges from 2-5 metres although very old specimens may even reach seven metres or more.  

Higher canopies usually allow for a lot more space below the leaves and this is often capitalised on by many gardening enthusiasts to have morning teas or afternoon coffees with some snacks.

Because of its fragrance, mock lime plants are most suitable to be included in any future plan to create and plant up a fragrant garden. With some simple paperwork, it is easy for the creation of such a garden at low cost in outlying districts such as Kudat, Tongod, Paitan, Beluran or Long Pasia etc.  

For KK folks to enjoy such a scented facility they may have wait another 30 or 50 years, but it will certainly be worth the while.  At least that will be much better than the nauseating odour that wafted freely into the open from stinking drains, smelly backlanes etc.

Physically, mock lime plants are wonderful for planting around the house either on the ground or in pots of various sizes and shapes. The latter method allows the plants to be moved about or placed under partly shaded conditions such as along 5ft ways or balconies.  

The foliage forms a thick crown filled with glossy compound leaves.

Unless infested with pests such as mealy bugs or scale insects, the plant always appear to be in great health with healthy flowers and glossy leaves.  

Such positive characteristics, together with its mesmerising fragrance, allow it to be leveraged on to provide a relaxing garden atmosphere without having to beat traffic jams to go to the nearest park.

Other positive attributes of mock lime plant include its value as a non-invasive garden plant which is non-toxic to pets or humans. 

As a leafy flowering ornamental shrub, the plant is shade tolerant to a certain degree although it does not smother or suffocate other varieties of plants.  

These values add to its flexibility in its use as an ornamental plant for beautification and enjoyment.

Mock lime plants also have a number of other uses that many growers tend to overlook.

First of all, young tender leaves especially the distal 5-10cm lengths of new growths of stems and lateral shoots may be harvested neatly and then sent to the kitchen.

Normally, young shoots are very clean, without even the pesky scale insects clinging onto the leaf surface.  

Such clean harvests make for very easy washing, cleaning and preparation.  The next thing to do is to put them into a heated kuali with some cooking oil, dried prawns or anchovy.  

Then add in a spoonful or two of a suitable chilli paste enriched with belacan, and after stirring a few times, the dish is ready to be put on the table.

The next beneficial use is in the flowers of the plant. These have to be collected in bulk, rolled over with a granite roller bar, and then dried under the sun.  

A faster way to dry them is to put them in the oven at 150º-180ºC for 15-25 minutes.  The dried flowers may then be added into the preparation of tea, with the result that is not only fragrant but carries an exotic aroma.  

A third use is in the aspect of traditional medicine.  In many countries in South East Asia, the people, especially the more senior folks, are familiar with the use of various parts of the plants to treat minor ailments. 

As this story does not dwell on folk medicines, it is best for any interested party to consult the relevant experts such as a Chinese singsang in order to benefit more from the plant.  

Of course there are other uses such as in the setting up of hedges or screens, or even in the creation of topiary gardens. The possibilities are virtually endless.  

The important thing to do is to ensure that the activity is able to bring in lots of enjoyment, happiness and satisfaction.

# The above writer may be reached at: onggrow@yahoo.com