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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
high
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
low (1000 ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree, shrub
Height
:
3 m-5 m
Spread
:
3 m-5 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white
Size
:
1 cm - 2 cm
Period
:
March - May
Smell
:
scented, strong,
leaf, flower, fruit,
sweet, fruity
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
3 cm - 6 cm
Toxicity
:
edible when
processed
Lime trees are usually grown as shrubs or small multi-stemmed trees. They originate in southeast
Asia, and are, perhaps, the most cold-sensitive citrus. Nevertheless, they are not uncommon in
Arriyadh, where, despite the possibility of strong frosts, they thrive on farms in environments
protected by other trees. Large, white flowers in spring emit a sweet scent. After pollination, the
tree bears rounded green fruits that turn greenish-yellow when fully mature. Deep-green leaves
are accompanied by thorns at their base. Cultivars are commonly spineless and less acidic. They
exceed the aroma of lemons. Limes require abundant sunlight, good nutrition and require humi-
dity. Sufficient irrigation is essential in well-drained, fertile soil. It should be omitted in autumn,
but wilting must nevertheless be inhibited. Some drought is tolerated if the soils are deep. Frost
damages leaves and may cause branches to die back. C. aurantiifolia grows well in containers,
near pools and is suitable for both public and private gardens. Commercially grown cultivars are
grafted, but cuttings with heels meet private needs. Seedlings may show thorns and acidic fruits.
Limes are prone to scales, spider mites and mealybugs. Pruning should be done in early spring
before flowering. Severe cutting back harms both the appearance and the tree’s health, because
wounds take a long time to be closed by surrounding bark. If their diameter exceeds 3 cm, the
wounds should be sealed with a pruning compound. Frequent pinching out keeps a neat, compact
shape.
104
Citrus aurantiifolia,
Rutaceae
Key Lime,
Lime, loomi