Lime Tree (Citrus hystrix) Kaffir Lime

Product Information

The micrantha, a similar citrus fruit native to the Philippines that is ancestral to several hybrid limes, such as the Key lime and Persian lime, may represent the same species as C. hystrix, but the genomic characterization of the kaffir lime has not been performed in sufficient detail to allow a definitive conclusion. [16] South Africa [ edit ] There will be a natural place to snap the leaves from, you can see from the image above that it forms a heal when it snaps off. By placing them immediately into water you will find roots appear quite naturally. Kaffir limes prefer full sun in moist, well-drained soil. If grown indoors, keep near a sunny window. The Kaffir lime tree appreciates water and somewhat humid conditions during the growing season. Keep in mind, however, that this tree is prone to root rot if kept too wet, so allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Regular misting helps with humidity levels.

We’ve never seen makrut lime fruit for sale at our local Asian grocery stores or anywhere else. As far as we know, the only way to get the fruit in the US is to grow it yourself. 5. Can you make shampoo with makrut limes/Citrus hystrix? For those who have the patience for kaffir lime trees you may also have the patience for the fabulous Persimmon tree. Really worth the wait as the fruit tastes like a cross between mango and apricot but has the smooth texture of custard! Yes, makrut lime trees are self-fertile. This means you only need one makrut lime tree to get fruit. Citrus aurantifolia Swingle has highly aromatic leaves. But the fruit is the size of a ping pong ball and less acidic than other lime species. Many people mistake it for lemon, but the lime color ranges from green to yellow. The skin is smooth and thin, loaded with seeds. Limequat

Sign Up For Exclusive Special Offers

Although it is possible to grow Kaffir lime trees from seed, this method is often difficult to achieve. Likewise, grafted trees tend to bloom and bear fruit earlier than seedlings. Kaffir Lime Tree Care D.J. Mabberley (1997), "A classification for edible Citrus (Rutaceae)", Telopea, 7 (2): 167–172, doi: 10.7751/telopea19971007 The common name “kaffir” lime (which also happens to be the most frequently used name in the western hemisphere) is the name that has elicited controversy…

As you can see, growing the kaffir lime tree is as simple as it gets. No special preparation is needed and as long as it gets plenty of sunlight, the tree is happy to reward you with fragrance, aromatic leaves, and juicy fruits. Let’s see how you can care for the tree. Light During the Summer months your kaffir lime tree will grow significantly, especially the first Summer. So give it a good quality liquid citrus feed, Baby Bio do one available here. We do this every two weeks whilst the tree is outside in its pot. We are based in the UK, so the equivalent in USDA zones would be 8 and below. How much and frequently to fertilize your makrut trees will also vary based on: a) the size/maturity of the tree, and b) the season. Citrus needs the most fertilizer from late winter-early spring as it rapidly puts on new growth and flowers. It also needs fertilizer as it sets and matures its fruit from spring through late summer. If you are buying a one year-old Kaffir lime tree, the recommended container size to be used for re-potting is a 6-9-inch container. A two to three-year-old tree can be replanted into a 12-14-inch pot. Find a pot with drainage holes and fill it with an inch of potting soil.Makrut lime oil is used as raw material in many fields, including pharmaceutical, agronomic, food, sanitary, cosmetic, and perfume industries. It is also used extensively in aromatherapy and as an essential ingredient in various cosmetic and beauty products. [33]

To further aid moisture retention it is a good idea to mulch around your plant with chipped bark, well-rotted manure or similar; this will also help with suppressing weed growth. I absolutely LOVED the root-pruning video. I am an avid, confident gardener and this was such a methodical, well-explained way to do this. Learned so much. Growing trees can be a long process, but kaffir lime trees are really unusual and lovely to look at whilst they are growing large enough to harvest. I would recommend a continuous cycle of starting from seed and then a few years later starting from cuttings. This means you will have a few immature trees, a few seedlings and a few mature trees ready for harvesting at all times.

Kaffir Lime Leaves

Citrus are not hardy in cold countries and must be kept in a pot, in a conservatory, greenhouse, or on a cool well-lit windowsill in the cold months. In severe weather, a heated conservatory or fleece is recommended. Do not keep near a hot radiator. How much water do makrut lime trees need each day? It depends on the season and the maturity of the plant. Citrus thorns compared, from left to right: makrut lime, Buddha’s hand, Yuzu. Our makrut tree’s thorns are quite tame by comparison. This may be due to breeding work that has reduced the thorns relative to the older genetics. TOP TIP- Kaffir lime trees will need a dormant period. Even if you live in USDA zones 9- 10 and have planted outside, stop the fertilizer for three to four months over Winter. If you have them as a houseplant do the same and even reduce the watering a little. The recovery time for plants is not to be underestimated as when they do then awake from their enforced Winter they are ready to go again with a renewed vigor. Harvesting Kaffir Limes and Leaves