Citrus aurantiifolia - Mexican Lime, Caribbean Lime

The Mexican Lime presumably originates from the Malayan archipelago or India but is has been known for centuries in many tropical regions like the Florida Keys, where it is being regarded as native. Hence its common names ‘Key Lime’, ‘Mexican Lime’ or ‘Caribbean Lime’. This small shrub grows very deeply branched by nature and forms a bushy, short- stemmed crown. The light green leaves are less glossy than other Citrus leaves, they are 6-8 cm long and have an oval shape. In this country, flowers usually appear in spring or early summer. They are small but in their multitude intensely fragrant. Every year they reliably produce many round, fast ripening fruits. The juice is used for Daiquiri, Caipirinha and other drinks. In places with constantly high temperatures (as in the tropical growing areas) the fruit peel will stay green until ripeness. In this country, however, it will colour to light green or yellow. Key Limes need high temperatures. They will drop leaves in winter if they are in a too cold place. Even without leaves they can be wintered reliably provided the watering is adapted to the reduced evaporation. In this case, however, Citrus aurantifolia will need a longer regeneration period in spring. We therefore recommend to winter Key Limes at temperatures above 10 °C.

Quality: fragrant flowers; edible & juicy fruits with a fine aroma; fast ripening; small growing & compact
Use: in pots from May outside on balcony, terrace and in the garden- during winter in a wintergarden or winter quarter; all-year in a heated greenhouse or bright living room