Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime)

Citrus aurantifolia with small white flower clusters and waxy green oval leaves
Citrus aurantifolia clusters of fragrant white flowers nestled among deep green leaves.

Botanical name: Citrus aurantifolia

Common names: Mexican Lime, Key lime, West Indian lime

Family: Rutaceae

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 8-11

Plant type: Fruit
Fruit type: Citrus
Small tree 10-20 ftPlant form: Small tree
Plant mature sizeMature height: 10-20 ft
Full sunSemi-shadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade
Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeCold tolerance: Tolerates light freezing to about 30°F for short periods (mature plants). Young plants must be protected.
Watering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Moderate
White, off-white flowersFlower color: White and off-white
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Thorny or spinyThorns: Thorny or spiny
Fragrant plantFragrance: Fragrant; perfume plant
Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsWildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Ethnomedical plant. Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles. Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Ethnomedical: Ethnomedical plant, traditionally used in folk or indigenous medicine

It is a small tree, 10-20 ft. tall. This plant must have full sun to partial shade, with moderate water needs. It is cold hardy to at least 30sF for a short time. This plant has fragrant, off-white flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. The fruit is edible and highly valued for its sourness. The fruit is round and can be green or yellow depending on when it is picked. It can produce up to four fruits in one season.

Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) has many useful properties. Its fruit has many healthy benefits, as it contains vitamin C, calcium and other minerals that are thought to prevent some types of cancer, as well as support strong bones, teeth, and skin. It is also used for its therapeutic properties, as it can be used to help with constipation, digestive problems, and infections. The juice is often used to enhance the flavor of food and drinks, and the essential oils are used in perfumes, cosmetics and soaps.

This small tree can be grown in USDA Zone 8-11, and prefers full sun to semi-shade. It does not need significant water beyond occasional deep-watering. The tree's spiny branches offer protection from animals and make it an appropriate choice for a hedgerow.

While fruit production is abundant in the warm months of May to September, the Mexican Lime is also known to be hardy in cold climates - surviving temperatures down to 30sF for a short time. C. aurantifolia can produce up to four fruits in a season. To get the best harvest, the plant needs to be regularly pruned, watered, and fertilized. The plant also needs to be protected from frost during the coldest months, which can be done using an insulating fabric, specifically designed for this kind of climate.

Similar plants: Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime)

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Image gallery: 10 images
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) green fruit on small plant, potted in container
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) with rounded green fruit growing in a brown pot.
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) green fruit close up on thin woody branch with pointed leaves.
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) green round fruit attached to a stem with dark oval leaves.
Citrus aurantifolia white flower cluster, close up showing delicate star shaped petals
Citrus aurantifolia white flower cluster with yellow stamens near deep green leaves
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) tree with yellow fruit and green leaves in full plant view.
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) tree covered in yellow fruit amidst deep green dense foliage on branches.
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) plant with green and yellow variegated leaves and round fruit.
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) shrub with variegated leaves and small round yellow citrus fruit.
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) yellow fruit and green leaves on a thin woody plant branch
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) with small yellow fruit hanging among smooth pointed green foliage leaves
Citrus aurantifolia white flower close up with green leaves in the sun.
Citrus aurantifolia white flower opening among thick green leaves on the branch.
Citrus aurantifolia with round green fruit in a close up tree branch view.
Citrus aurantifolia with two round green fruit attached to a leafy branch.
Citrus aurantifolia with white flower and green leaves in a close up
Citrus aurantifolia white flower cluster nestled between dark green glossy oval leaves
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) tree with yellow fruit hanging among many green leaves on branches
Citrus aurantifolia (Mexican Lime) tree with numerous round yellow fruit hanging among small green leaves


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https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/citrus_aurantifolia.htm
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