Mongolian lime
Tilia mongolica
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 10-15 m tall. It is a broadly spreading tree. The bark is grey and smooth. The leaves are broadly oval and 7.5 cm long and across. There are 3-5 lobes and it tapers to a point at the tip. There are sharp teeth. The leaves are reddish when young and become dark green and glossy above but blue-green underneath. The leaves are smooth except for tufts of hairs in the axils of the veins. The leaves turn yellow in autumn. The leaf stalks are red. The flowers are small and 2 cm across. They are pale yellow and have a scent. They are borne in drooping clusters of up to 20 flowers.
These have also been in the Tiliaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to NE Asia. It grows on mountain slopes. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Mongolia, North America, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The leaves are eaten in soup.
Edible parts
Leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Domu modu, Duan shu