Image: Citrus aurantiifolia at Kadavoor

Description: English: Citrus aurantifolia, Key lime, is a citrus species with a globose fruit, 2.5–5 cm in diameter (1–2 in), that is yellow when ripe but usually picked green commercially. It is smaller and seedier, with a higher acidity, a stronger aroma, and a thinner rind, than that of the Persian lime (Citrus x latifolia). It is valued for its unique flavor compared to other limes, with the Key lime usually having a more tart and bitter flavor. The name comes from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie. It is also known as West Indian lime, Bartender’s lime, Omani lime, or Mexican lime, the latter classified as a distinct race with a thicker skin and darker green color. C. aurantifolia is a shrubby tree, to 5 m (16 ft), with many thorns. Dwarf varieties exist which can be grown indoors during winter months and in colder climates. Its trunk rarely grows straight, with many branches, often originating quite far down on the trunk. The leaves are ovate, 2.5–9 cm (1–3.5 in) long, resembling orange leaves (the scientific name aurantifolia refers to this resemblance to the leaves of the orange, C. aurantium). The flowers are 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter, are yellowish white with a light purple tinge on the margins. Flowers and fruit appear throughout the year, but are most abundant from May to September in the Northern Hemisphere.

C. aurantifolia is native to Southeast Asia. Its apparent path of introduction was through the Middle East to North Africa, then to Sicily and Andalucia and via Spanish explorers to the West Indies, including the Florida Keys. From the Caribbean, lime cultivation spread to tropical and subtropical North America, including Mexico, Florida, and later California.
Author: Jeevan Jose
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License: CC-BY-SA-3.0
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