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citrus: lime, makrut, kaffir

Member profile details

PLANT PROFILE SHEET PDF

http://leafnetworkaz.org:80/resources/PLANT%20PROFILES/Citrus_Lime_kaffir_profile.pdf

IDENTIFICATION

Common Name

citrus: lime, makrut, kaffir

Photo #1

Scientific Name

Citrus hystrix DC.

Family

Rutaceae

Spanish Name

lima

Species Description

Makrut lime trees are small and shrubby. Leaves have a distinctive, wide petiole that makes them appear double-lobed, and a glossy, dark green sheen to the surface. Fruit knobby or bumpy, dark green, turning yellow and falling to the ground when ripe. The fruit have numerous seeds and little juice.

NATURAL / CULTURAL HISTORY

AZ Native or Introduced

Introduced to Arizona

Natural Range

Makrut lime is grown throughout Thailand and Indonesia as well as other southern Asian countries.

Natural Habitat

The tree thrives in humid, tropical environments.

Cultural-Historic Notes

In tropical Thailand, nearly every home in the countryside has a makrut lime tree in the yard. The leaves, fruit rind, and fruit juice are used in many traditional dishes and also as a cleaner, in shampoo, as a natural bleach, and in medicine.

GROWTH FORM & RATE

Growth Form

Tree

Tree or Understory

Tree

Other Growth Characteristics

Evergreen
Thorns / Spines

Growth Rate

Moderate

Canopy Diameter

5-10 feet

Tree Height

5-10 feet

Lifespan

50+ years

Years to Bearing, if nursery tree is 1-2 years old; grafted

1-2 years

Chill Hours

None required

Freeze Tolerance

Citrus are hardy to 23-26 degrees F, though this may depend on cultivar. Makrut limes are frost-sensitive and should be covered during cold spells, or if grown in a pot, brought indoors.

Site, Micro-Climate, and Growing Considerations

A warm location in full sun with air circulation and drainage provides best growing conditions for citrus trees. Makrut limes may be grown in pots, but be sure to keep them near a sunny window. The trees also prefer high humidity, which can be accomplished by growing them with other plants and trees.

Appropriate Arizona Elevation Categories

MID DESERT: Tucson, Ajo, Safford, Casa Grande - USDA Zones 9a-9b (20-30ºF)
LOW DESERT: Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, Yuma - USDA Zones 9b-10a (25-35ºF)

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

WATER

Relative Plant Water Use

High: 35-60 inches / year

Post-Establishment Irrigation Needs

2 X Month in Growing Season

Notes on Species-Specific Water Needs

Citrus need about 4-6 inches of water per month in the summer

CARE

Pollination

Flowers are self-fertile and also may be cross-pollinated. Honey bees effective at pollinating flowers.

Soils

Makrut limes prefer moist, well-drained soils. They may be grown in pots indoors.

Propagation

Makrut limes may be propagated from cuttings.

Pest & Disease Control

Citrus are prone to many diseases and pests. We recommend consulting the Cooperative Extension citrus specialist.

Pruning Notes

Makrut lime trees may be pruned when young to encourage shorter, bushier trees. Pruning is also the best way to harvest the leaves and to encourage new growth. Small branches should be pruned in early spring and summer; try to prune them from the center of the tree to create more airflow. Also try to prune down to an outward facing leaf node to stimulate branches to grow away from the center of the tree. When pruning, cut all limbs flat to the branch at the point of attachment.

HARVEST & PROCESSING

Edible Parts

The pungent leaves are used as a spice in Thai and Indonesian cooking. The leaves may be harvested year-round, however, pruning small branches is the best way to encourage new growth on the tree. The leaves may then be plucked from the branches, and used fresh, dried, or frozen. Prune the small branches from the interior of the tree in early spring to mid summer to improve air circulation and shape the tree. The zest of the lime fruit, which fall from the tree in May, can also be used in curry pastes, fish dishes, stews and soups. The rind has a highly aromatic and strong flavor, so should be used sparingly, grated or chopped finely and ground well with a mortar and pestle with other ingredients. To use the leaves, stack them and slice into fine slivers before adding them to the dishes. The juice is unpalatable but used in shampoos.

Harvest Months

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Harvest Months Notes

Leaves - January thru December; Fruit - May

Harvest and Processing Guide

Harvest and Processing Guide

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

PO Box 65122, Phoenix, Arizona 85082-5122

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.