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James H. Schutte
Rutaceae
Citrus hystrix
Kaffir Lime, Makrut
Kaffir lime is a tropical evergreen fruit tree with a bushy and spreading growth habit. This southeastern Asian native has very thorny branches and thick, two-part glossy green leaves. Fragrant white flowers are followed by tart, oblong, pointy-ended, bumpy citrus fruits that ripen to yellow.
Kaffir lime trees do best in full sun and fertile well-drained soil that is not alkaline in pH. They appreciate hot summers and mild winters but tolerate light frost. They may be planted as specimen fruit trees, hedges or container plants in either tree or shrub form. Water them liberally during summer and sparingly in winter. They are valued for their nutritious, acidic fruits, with juice used for beverages and sauces. The aromatic leaves are used in many Southeast Asian culinary dishes and for decorative embellishments. Oil from the rind is used in cosmetics.
12 - 8
9 - 11
H1, H2, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Fruit
Full Sun, Partial Sun
6'-25' / 1.8m - 7.6m
8'-12' / 2.4m - 3.7m
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
Southeastern Asia
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Oval/Rounded
Spring, Summer, Fall
Insignificant
White
Yellow, Green, Yellow Green
Green
Gray Green, Gray
Striped/Striated
Yes
Single
No
Medium
Glossy
Smooth
Container, Edible, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Mixed Border
Birds, Butterflies
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