Lime
Citrus aurantiifolia
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Description
Citrus aurantiifolia, commonly known as lime, is a small, evergreen tree reaching up to 5 meters in height. In agroecology, lime trees play a crucial role in tropical and subtropical food forests, often serving as a mid-canopy layer that provides dappled shade for understory plants. They contribute to biodiversity by attracting pollinators with their fragrant flowers and offering habitat for beneficial insects. Lime trees are excellent in guilds with nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and ground covers such as sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) to enhance soil fertility and moisture retention. Historically, limes have been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices across cultures, valued for their high vitamin C content and refreshing flavor. In regenerative agriculture, lime trees improve soil health through their leaf litter, which adds organic matter and supports soil microbial life.
Growing Details
Lime trees thrive in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost to improve fertility. Mulch with organic materials like straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as marigolds can help repel nematodes, while basil and garlic can deter aphids. Avoid overwatering, as lime trees are susceptible to root rot. Harvest limes when they are firm and green, typically 6 to 9 months after flowering. Store harvested l
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Scented Plant
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Oil
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Citrus aurantiifolia</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Southeast Asia, widely cultivated i
applicable geo region: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of August for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(5/5)
edible uses: Limes are primarily used for their juice and zest, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. The juice is a staple in beverages, marinades, and desserts, while the zest adds a citrusy aroma to dishes. Limes are also used in pickling and as a natural preservative. The fruit is typically available year-round in tropical climates, with peak harvests in late spring and early summer.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: Lime juice is renowned for preventing scurvy due to its high vitamin C content. It is also used in herbal medicine for its antioxidant properties, aiding digestion, and as a topical treatment for skin conditions. However, excessive consumption can lead to dental enamel erosion due to its acidity.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of lime juice can lead to dental enamel erosion due to its acidity.
other uses: Lime oil, extracted from the peel, is used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and as a natural cleaning agent due to its antiseptic properties.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Citrus aurantiifolia
common names: Key lime; Mexican lime; West Indian lime
family: Rutaceae
sub family: Aurantioideae
tribe: Citreae
sub tribe: Citrinae
genus: Citrus
Growing Conditions
area needed: 4.0 m
spacing: 3.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 5.0 m
max width: 3.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Lime trees thrive in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Before planting, enrich the soil with compost to improve fertility. Mulch with organic materials like straw or wood chips to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as marigolds can help repel nematodes, while basil and garlic can deter aphids. Avoid overwatering, as lime trees are susceptible to root rot. Harvest limes when they are firm and green, typically 6 to 9 months after flowering. Store harvested l
Potential Disturbances: Common issues include aphids, citrus leaf miners, and scale insects. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap for scale insects. Planting marigolds nearby can help deter nematodes. Regularly inspect trees for signs of challenges.
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