Sweet lemon, Sweet lime
Citrus limetta
Family: Rutaceae
What it is like
A small evergreen tree. It grows 6-12 m high. The crown is round. The leaves are simple and leathery. They are 4-8 cm long. There are small wings on the leaf stalk. The flowers are pure white. The fruit looks like a lime. It is not sour. It has a rounded base and smooth skin. The skin is thin and green. The flesh is juicy and orange. There are few seeds. Now Citrus medica L.
There are 20 Citrus species. Several hybrids have been formed.
Where it is found
It grows in tropical and subtropical countries. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Asia (country/location of origin), Australia, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Europe, Haiti, Himalayas, India, Italy, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South America, USA, Vietnam, West Indies
How it is used for food
Some varieties are acid and used as flavouring. They can also be used for juice.
It is occasionally cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown by seed or grafting.
Its other names
Local names
Lima, Limetta, Lumia, Limao-doce, Mushambee, Sepen