Lime berry
Triphasia trifolia

Family: Rutaceae

What it is like

A small spiny shrub up to 7 m high with slender zigzag twigs. There are 2 spines near each leaf. The leaves have 3 leaflets and are small and dark green with slightly toothed edges. Flowers are in axils of leaves and are white and about 1 cm across. The small berry is green when young and turns red when ripe. They are 1-2 cm across. The skin has glands in it and the 3 sections of the fruit have 1-3 slimy seeds inside.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in tropical Asia. They are widely distributed in the settled areas of the Philippines and are sometimes cultivated. Mainly in lowland coastal areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, Belize, Britain, British Indian Ocean Terr., BIOT, Central America, China (country/location of origin), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Europe, Fiji, Guam, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mariana Islands, Mexico, Myanmar, North America, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, South America, Suriname, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked or made into jam or juice. They are preserved in syrup. They are also pickled.

It is widely cultivated. A minor cultivated fruit in some coastal villages in Papua New Guinea.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. It can be grown as a hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Aramaralu, Cheeninaranghi, Chin-ke-limbu, Chinese lime, Jeruk kingkip, Jeruk kingkit, Kaadusirinimbu, Kaliyage, Kingkip, Kudhilunboa, Limau kaya, Limau kelinket, Limau kerisek, Limau kia, Limau kikir, Limau kingkip, Limon china, Limoncillo, Limon-cito, Manao tet, Myrtle-lime, Quum quat

Synonyms

Triphasia aurantiola Lour.; Triphasia trifoliata D.C.; Limonia trifolia Burm. f.; Limonia trifoliata L.; Triphasia trifoliata (L.) DC.;