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Citrus × aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle
| Family Name: | Rutaceae |
| Common Name: | Lime, Limau, Limau Asam, Mexican Lime, 来檬 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 2 m to 4 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Indo-Malayan region |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Shrubby tree up to 4 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Crown | It has a spreading crown composed of spiny branches. The numerous, sharp spines are 1 cm long and occur in the leaf axils (the space between the upper leaf surface and stem). |
| Foliage | Dull, dark green, leathery leaves are elliptic or oblong-ovate (oval or intermediate between elongated and egg-shaped). Leaf margin is lined with tiny, rounded teeth. Young foliage is light purplish. |
| Flowers | White flowers with purple tints are located in the leaf axils as solitary individuals or in clusters of 2-7 flowers arranged in a spike-like inflorescence known as a raceme. |
| Fruit | Green, glossy immature fruits turn pale yellow at maturity. They are round, obovate (egg-shaped with the wider end at the tip) or elliptical (oval) and about 2.5-5 cm wide. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit & Vegetable): Lime juice is used to add flavour to meat and fish dishes and various types of beverages (both non-alchoholic and alcoholic). |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Caterpillar Food Plant |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1517 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2810 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
