Aglaia odorata, commonly known as Chinese Perfume Plant or Mock Lime, is a species within the Meliaceae (mahogany) family. From a botanical standpoint, a "species" is the fundamental unit of classification, defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Aglaia odorata is a specific, distinct species native to Southeast Asia and Southern China, characterized by its small, intensely fragrant yellow flowers, glossy evergreen foliage, and growth habit as a large shrub or small tree. The primary taxonomic focus for this species is on the species itself, rather than a wide array of cultivated varieties developed through selective breeding, as seen in many ornamental plants.
The most widely recognized and cultivated form is the typical variety, Aglaia odorata var. odorata. This is the plant most commonly encountered in horticulture and is what is generally referred to when discussing the species. Its key identifying features include pinnately compound leaves with 5-7 elliptic leaflets, panicles of tiny, bead-like yellow flowers that release a powerful, sweet fragrance reminiscent of citrus or lily of the valley, and small, inedible berry-like fruits. This form is highly valued as an ornamental hedge, specimen plant, and for its use in perfumery and traditional ceremonies. It represents the standard genetic expression of the species in cultivation.
Botanical literature does acknowledge some infraspecific taxonomic variation within Aglaia odorata. The most notable documented variety is Aglaia odorata var. microphyllina. As the varietal epithet "microphyllina" (meaning small-leaved) suggests, this variety is distinguished from the typical form by its significantly smaller leaflets. While the standard var. odorata has leaflets typically ranging from 3 to 7 cm in length, those of var. microphyllina are considerably reduced. This variety is less common in general horticultural trade and is often of greater interest to botanists and specialist plant collectors. Its existence confirms that there is some natural genetic diversity within the species, leading to observable morphological differences.
Unlike genera such as Rosa (roses) or Hydrangea, which have thousands of named cultivars (cultivated varieties) developed for specific flower forms, colors, and habits, Aglaia odorata has not been the subject of extensive cultivar development. A "cultivar" is a plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding. For Aglaia odorata, propagation is almost exclusively done via seeds or cuttings from the standard species or its recognized varietal form, var. microphyllina. You are unlikely to find named cultivars like 'Golden Glory' or 'Compacta' in the nursery trade. The plant is prized for its species-specific traits—its intense fragrance and elegant foliage—and is therefore usually propagated true-to-type without the commercial drive for novel cultivars.
It is important to distinguish between genetic varieties and phenotypic plasticity. One may observe Aglaia odorata plants growing as dense, compact shrubs or trained into small, single-trunked trees. This is not due to a different genetic cultivar but is a result of environmental conditions (light, wind, soil nutrients) and, most commonly, human intervention through pruning and training. A plant pruned heavily as a hedge will develop a different form than one allowed to grow naturally with minimal interference. This variation in habit is a response to its conditions and management, not an indication of different genetically distinct varieties available for purchase.
