The Citrus genus is currently (2012) being revised and there are likely to be some major changes in classification. This species is being treated as a synonym of Citrus medica L., in 'The Plant List' and as a synonym of Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr., in Tropicos[].

Common Name: Sweet Lime

General Information

Citrus limetta is an evergreen tree with few thorns and a globose crown[]. It grows 6 - 12 metres tall[].
The plant is sometimes cultivated in some regions of the world, particularly the Mediterranean, Central and South America and India, for its edible fruit[, , , ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Only known in cultivation.

Habitat

Not known in a truly wild situation.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Three main climates are suitable for commercial citrus production - tropical climates, subtropical with winter rain such as in the Mediterranean and semitropical with summer rainfall as found in Florida and southern Brazil[]. The optimal temperatures for citrus cultivation range between 25 - 30°c, with the coldest month having an average minimum of at least 15°c[]. Growth generally ceases below 13°c and above 38°c[]. If there are dry periods of more than three months, then irrigation will be necessary[].
Prefers a deep, well-drained but moisture-retentive loamy soil in full sun[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5 - 6[].
There are some named varieties[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or made into juices[]. Insipidly sweet when ripe, with a slight lemon flavour[]. The fruit can be sweet or acid, the flavour is weak and insipid[]. The pulp is slightly succulent with a medium sugar content, slightly acidic, aromatic with a slightly sweet or insipid flavour[]. The fruit is about 6.5cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

Citrus species contain a wide range of active ingredients and research is still underway in finding uses for them. They are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, acids and volatile oils. They also contain coumarins such as bergapten which sensitizes the skin to sunlight. Bergapten is sometimes added to tanning preparations since it promotes pigmentation in the skin, though it can cause dermatitis or allergic responses in some people[]. Some of the plants more recent applications are as sources of anti-oxidants and chemical exfoliants in specialized cosmetics[].

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the peel of the fruit[].

Used as a rootstock for other Citrus species[].

Propagation

The seed is best sown in containers as soon as it is ripe, after thoroughly rinsing it[, ]. Sow stored seed in containers as soon as possible]. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 13°c. Seedlings are liable to damp off so they must be watered with care and kept well ventilated. The seed is usually polyembrionic, two or more seedlings arise from each seed and they are genetically identical to the parent but they do not usually carry any virus that might be present in the parent plant[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until they are 10cm or more tall before planting out into their permanent positions.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. This species grows easily from cuttings[].
Layering in October.

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