Lime Citrus × aurantiifolia (F)
ABOUT
The Citrus × aurantiifolia is commonly known as the Key lime. This plant is famous for its rounded citrus fruits, which are smaller and typically more tart than the more common Persian limes. The luscious fruits have a thin, green skin that can turn yellow when ripe, harboring a juicy, acidic flesh on the inside. The Key lime tree boasts dense foliage with small, dark green leaves that give off a fragrant citrus scent when crushed. The leaves are elliptical and feature a glossy texture. Branches on the tree may have thorns, which can be sharp and help protect the plant. Throughout the year, especially during spring, the tree blooms with small, white flowers. These blossoms are highly aromatic and can attract pollinators to the garden. The petals are delicate and the flowers have prominent stamens in the center, providing a stark contrast to the dark green leaves. The overall appearance of the Key lime tree is that of a lush, tropical plant which bears fruits that are integral to various culinary uses around the world, celebrated for their unique, tangy flavor.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rutaceae.
Synonyms
Key Lime, Mexican Lime, West Indian Lime, Bartender's Lime, Omani Lime, Persian Lime, Rue des Indes, Jerusalem Lime, Nipis Lime, Kaffir Lime.
Common names
Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle, Citrus aurantiifolia var. α microcarpa Wester, Citrus aurantium Risso, Citrus excelsa Wester, Citrus lima Lunan, Citrus longispina Wester, Citrus medica var. β acida Brandis, Citrus medica var. acida (Roxb.) Hook. f., Citrus medica var. limonellus Brandis, Citrus medica var. χ aurantiifolia (F.) Brandis, Limonia aurantiifolia Christm., Limonia aurantifolia (Christm.) Brandis.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Citrus × aurantiifolia is lime. Limes are not toxic to humans; they are widely used in food and drinks for their flavor. Consuming reasonable amounts of lime is generally safe. However, the plant's essential oils and compounds, particularly when concentrated, can cause skin irritation in some individuals when touched and then exposed to sunlight, a reaction known as phytophotodermatitis. Symptoms of this condition might include redness, burning, and blistering of the skin after sun exposure. Ingesting very large quantities of lime, especially the peel, could potentially lead to digestive discomfort due to the high levels of acidity and essential oils.
To pets
Lime is not considered highly toxic to pets. However, essential oils and psoralens (compounds found in citrus plants) can cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large amounts. The leaves and stems of the plant might also contain higher concentrations of these compounds compared to the fruit. If a pet ingests a significant amount of lime plant material, symptoms of poisoning might include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, or photosensitivity (sensitivity to light), although this is not common. As with any non-food item, ingesting large quantities could potentially cause an obstruction or other digestive tract issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-13 feet (1.8-4 meters)
Spread
6-13 feet (1.8-4 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
9-11
Native area
Southeast Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Rich in Vitamin C: Enhances the immune system and aids in collagen production.
- Nutritional Value: Provides a source of vitamins A, B, and C, along with minerals like potassium.
- Culinary Uses: Widely used in cooking and baking for its acidic and zesty flavor.
- Aromatherapy: The citrus scent is used in essential oils for refreshing and mood uplifting properties.
- Natural Preservative: The acidic nature helps in preserving food by inhibiting bacterial growth.
- Gardening: Can be grown as an ornamental plant or for shade in gardens and patios.
- Soil Improvement: The root system helps in soil stabilization and improvement.
- Pollinator Attraction: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, aiding in the pollination of gardens and crops.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: The oils and extracts of lime have demonstrated antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens.
- Antioxidant: Lime juice contains vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help defend against oxidative stress.
- Antiscorbutic: Historically, lime has been used to prevent and treat scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.
- Digestive Aid: Lime juice is traditionally used to aid digestion and relieve constipation.
- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in lime may have anti-inflammatory effects that help in reducing inflammation in the body.
- Antipyretic: Lime juice and its preparations have been used to help reduce fever.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Deodorant: The lime juice and oils can be used as a natural deodorizer and freshener for rooms, when mixed with water and sprayed.
- Insect Repellent: Lime oil can repel certain insects, making it a natural option for protecting clothing and surfaces.
- Brass Polish: Lime juice can be mixed with baking soda or salt to create a natural polish for brass and other metals.
- Stain Remover: Lime juice has acidic properties that help remove stains from clothes and surfaces when applied directly.
- Hair Highlights: Lime juice, when applied to hair and exposed to sunlight, can naturally lighten hair color.
- Laundry Whitener: Adding lime juice to laundry during wash can help whiten whites without using bleach.
- Ant Repellant: The citrus smell of lime is disliked by ants, hence lime peel or juice can be used to keep them away.
- Cat Repellant: Sprinkling lime peel or spraying lime juice in certain areas can deter cats from entering or scratching furniture.
- Fruit and Vegetable Wash: Lime juice can be used in a mixture to wash and help remove pesticide residues from produce.
- Engraving Medium: The acidic nature of lime juice can be used in creative endeavors to etch designs into various surfaces like metals and glass.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lime tree is believed to bring wealth and abundance into the home. It can be placed in the wealth corner, which is the southeast area of your space, to enhance prosperity energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lime is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Cleansing and Purification: Citrus × aurantiifolia, commonly known as Lime, has a strong association with freshness due to its high acid content and vibrant flavor, which symbolizes the cleansing of the mind, body, and spaces.
- Healing: Limes are rich in vitamin C and have been used in traditional medicine, representing the healing power of nature and the restoration of health.
- Protection: In some cultures, limes are believed to have protective qualities, warding off evil spirits and negative energy when used in rituals or kept within a space.
- Eternal Life: The evergreen nature of lime trees, which bear fruit throughout the year, stands as a symbol of immortality and the perpetual cycle of life.
- Fertility: The prolific nature of lime trees, frequently blooming and fruiting, is celebrated as a representation of fertility and abundance.
- Love: In some traditions, the white blossoms of the lime tree serve as tokens of love and affection, with their fragrance and purity inspiring romantic sentiments.
WaterThe Key lime tree should be watered thoroughly, with deep watering sessions every week during the growing season. During the summer, it may need additional water if the weather is particularly dry or hot, possibly increasing to twice a week. Always allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering. When watering, aim to moisten the soil to a depth of at least a few inches using approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, adjusting depending on your soil drainage and environmental conditions.
LightKey lime trees thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for your Key lime tree would be an area that receives unfiltered sunlight throughout the day; areas with southern exposure typically provide the most consistent light.
TemperatureKey lime trees prefer warm temperatures and should be kept in conditions above 50 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid damage from cold; they can survive brief drops to about 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for a Key lime tree is between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth.
PruningPrune Key lime trees to remove dead or crossing branches and to shape the tree for better sunlight exposure and air circulation. The best time to prune is in the spring after the threat of frost has passed, and before the new growth starts. Moderate pruning can be done annually while heavy pruning should be undertaken every few years.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Key Lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) is well-draining with a mixture of peat, perlite, and pine bark. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingKey Lime trees should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they become root-bound. Younger plants might need repotting more frequently, such as every year.
Humidity & MistingKey Lime trees thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 60%. They can tolerate lower humidity but may require more frequent watering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Key Lime in bright, direct light with high humidity indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Key Lime in full sun, sheltered from strong winds outside.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Citrus × aurantiifolia, commonly known as the Key lime, begins with seed germination, where the seed requires warm, moist soil conditions to sprout and emerge as a seedling. After germination, the seedling undergoes a juvenile phase, characterized by rapid vegetative growth and the development of the characteristic compound leaves but without any fruit production. As it matures, the Key lime tree enters the flowering stage, producing fragrant white flowers that are pollinated by insects, typically bees. Following successful pollination, the flowers develop into green fruit, which eventually ripen to a pale yellow color; this stage includes fruit set, growth, and ripening. The mature tree will continually produce new flushes of growth and enter repeated flowering and fruiting cycles, typically with a pronounced seasonality influenced by the climatic conditions. Gradually, as the tree ages, its productivity declines until it reaches the end of its life span, which can be several decades under optimal conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Key lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) is through budding onto rootstocks. This is usually done in late winter or early spring when the plant sap starts to flow but before new growth begins. A bud from a desirable parent Key lime tree is cut and inserted under the bark of a rootstock tree. The area is then wrapped to hold the bud in place and promote the healing process, ensuring the bud's survival. Over time, the bud grows into a new shoot, eventually developing into a mature Key lime tree that bears fruit identical to that of the parent tree. This method is favored because it combines the desirable fruiting qualities of the Key lime with the hardiness and disease resistance of the chosen rootstock.
