Lime berry
Micromelum minutum

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 4-6 m high and spreads 2-4 m wide. The small branches have a dense hairy covering. The leaves are divided into leaflets with a leaflet at the end of the stalk. Leaves are 16-49 cm long. There are 7-15 leaflets. They are oblong and uneven at the base. The edges of the leaves are wavy or with rounded teeth. The leaflets are 2-12 cm long by 1.5-7 cm wide. There are a few hairs on the upper surface and densely hairy along the veins on the underneath surface. The flowers are on the ends of branches. They are 3-5 cm long. The flowers are woolly. The petals are 4 mm long and white. They have a bad smell. The fruit is a berry. It is oval and 6-8 mm long and red.

There are about 10 Micromelum species. They grow in Asia and the Pacific. It is used in medicine. It has established anti-cancer properties.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in mixed deciduous or evergreen forests by streams. It needs good drainage. In Samoa it grows from sea level to 300 m altitude and to 900 m altitude in Fiji. In Townsville palmetum.

Countries/locations it is found in

American Samoa, Asia (country/location of origin), Australia (country/location of origin), East Timor, Fiji, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Malesia, Myanmar, New Caledonia, Niue, Northeastern India, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, SE Asia, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna

How it is used for food

The young shoots and leaves are eaten uncooked or blanched.

Edible parts

Leaves, stem, fruit, flower

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh seed. It can also be grown from cuttings.

It is relatively slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Beri jerukan, Chemama, Chememar, Cherek-cherek, Cherek puteh, Hatsakhun, Jejawi, Kayu saga, Kimangoko, Langgu, Litsoso, Mali-mali, Pohon kimangkok, Talafalu, Tamafalu, Thenghanso, Titimah

Synonyms

Limonia minuta Forst.f.; Micromelum glabrescens Benth.; Micromelum molle Turcz.; Micromelum pubescens Blume;