Lime, Key Lime, Mexican Lime, Mexican Thornless Key Lime

Citrus aurantiifolia

Physical Characteristics

Citrus aurantiifolia is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Tropical Asia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Drink Fruit - raw, cooked or used as a flavouring. A thin-skinned, very acid, juicy, fragrant fruit[ 200 , 303 ], it is mainly used to add flavour and as a garnish[ 301 ]. The rich flavour and acid taste make lime a favourite for hot and spicy dishes, either fresh or in the form of pickles and sauces[ 303 ]. They can also be made into jams, marmalades, jellies and juices (usually combined with other fruits)[ 238 , 301 , 317 ]. Dried limes are widely used in Persian cuisine[ 301 ]. The ovate fruit is 3 - 6cm in diameter[ 200 ]. The chopped peel is used to make a sweetmeat[ 301 , 317 ]. The leaves are sometimes added to soups[ 301 ]. Used as a condiment in Javanese dishes[ 317 ].

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Anthelmintic Antidiarrhoeal Aromatic Astringent Contraceptive Digestive Febrifuge The lime is an aromatic, astringent, cooling herb. Various part of the plant are used medicinally, especially the leaves, fruit, peel and essential oils[ 238 ]. An infusion of the leaves is taken internally in the treatment of minor complaints such as bilious headaches and colds[ 238 , 348 ]. An infusion of the leaves, combined with Renealmia guianensis leaves, is drunk to induce an abortion[ 348 ]. The leaves are combined with the leaves of Begonia glabra and Ocimum campechianum to make a bath for very hot feet[ 348 ]. The juice of the fruit is used to treat 'viccis', a fever that leads to a desire to sleep and uncontrollably relaxed digestive muscles[ 348 ] The juice is added to various medicinal preparations, especially for the treatment of diarrhoea, chest colds and fevers[ 238 , 348 ]. It is mixed with grated garlic and some water and drunk for snakebite[ 348 ]. Applied externally, the juice is used to cleanse wounds[ 348 ]. It is mixed with oil and rubbed on the stomach to relieve sagging muscles of the sexual organs[ 348 ]. It is used for the treatment of ground itch and for dandruff [ 348 ]. The root is anthelmintic and contraceptive[ 348 ]. It is used for treating haemorrhages and venereal disease[ 348 ]. The roots are boiled, the water mixed with alcohol, and drunk to abort a foetus up to six weeks old[ 348 ].

Known Hazards

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling