Bears' Lime, Tahitian lime, Persian lime
Citrus latifolia

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It is almost thornless. It grows 1.8-4.5 m high. The branches droop. The leaves have broad, flat-winged leaf stalks. Young leaves are mauve. The flowers have a purple tinge and have a scent. They occur throughout the year. The fruit is medium sized, green and very sour. The fruit are round. They are 3-4 cm across. They can be 8-10 cm across. The skin is thin and smooth. The skin remains bright green when ripe. The pulp is green and seedless.

There are 20 Citrus species. Several hybrids have been formed. This one may be a cross between Citrus aurantifolia and another species.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate climates. It is more tolerant of cold than Mexican limes. It cannot tolerate wet soil. It needs a warm sheltered site. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Brazil, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, India, Iran, Pacific, South America, Tahiti, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit is used for juice and processed products.

It is a cultivated plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by grafting. A spacing of 4-6 m is suitable. Normally when seeds occur these give trees and fruit of mixed quality. Air-layering is the best method. Trees can be budded.

A tree can produce 28-40 kg per year. They occur throughout the year. Most fruit are produced without fertilisation. Fruit can be stored after ripening on the tree or in a fridge for 6-8 weeks.

Its other names

Local names

Limao-tahiti, Limon tahiti

Synonyms

Citrus aurantiifolia var. latifolia Yu. Tanaka;