Lime tree: characteristics, types & harvesting limes

Sebastian
Sebastian
Sebastian
Sebastian

As a horticulture student I mainly studied crops and cultivation techniques. It fascinates me how many diverse plants can grow from small, nearly identical seeds.

Favourite fruit: blueberries, grapes, raspberries, pears
Favourite vegetables: mushrooms, peppers, kohlrabi, onions, garlic

Limes are not only great in cocktails – these citrus fruits are also sub-lime in a variety of dishes. Did you know there are numerous varieties of lime trees? Find out all about this delicious citrus fruit.

A few limes on lime tree
These round, green citrus fruits taste fruity and sour [Photo: Pushish Images/ Shutterstock.com]

The small, typically green fruits we name limes at the supermarket are actually a collection of several species of the citrus genus. The limes grown for the UK market are usually the Persian lime or Tahiti lime (Citrus x latifolia) and come primarily from Mexico, Brazil and Spain. You may also come across key limes (Citrus x aurantiifolia), also known as Mexican limes or West Indian limes. Discover where limes come from originally, the difference between lemons and limes and some of the many different lime varieties.

Limes: origin and characteristics

Just like lemons (Citrus x limon) and oranges (Citrus sinensis), all lime tree species belong to the Citrus genus in the rue family, Rutaceae. The Persian lime most likely originates from today’s Iran and Iraq and has been cultivated for centuries in many subtropical and tropical regions around the world.

Lime trees grow differently depending on the species. The most commonly cultivated lime, the Persian lime, is an evergreen, as is the key lime. However, in our part of the world, where it is often darker and colder, these lime trees have no other choice but to go dormant to conserve resources. This can cause leaf discolouration and even leaf loss.

In their natural habitat, lime trees can grow up to six metres tall. In the UK, they only grow two to three metres tall in a planter. Key lime trees grow more compact and denser than Persian lime trees, making them easier to care for as a potted plant.

Large lime tree
In optimal conditions, lime trees grow up to six metres tall [Photo: Ljiljana Stojakovic/ Shutterstock.com]

Lime leaves and lime fruits

Lime leaves are hard, thick, green, oval, and about six to eight centimetres long. The botanical name latifolia roughly translates to “broad-leaved”, which perfectly describes the Persian lime. In keeping with the species name aurantiifolia, key lime leaves resemble those of orange trees.

Lime leaves and fruits also differ depending on the species. Some lime fruits only grow to the size of a ping-pong ball, while other species are almost the size of a lemon. The fruits must be harvested when ripe because, like all citrus fruits, they are non-climacteric, meaning they do not ripen after picking. In the UK, the fruits often turn yellow-green due to temperature fluctuations. The flesh is usually pale green but can also take on an orange hue depending on the species. The number of lime seeds in the fruit also varies in different species. Persian limes are largely seedless, unlike key limes.

Lime tree flowers are wonderfully fragrant and bloom in the early summer months. Although lime tree blossoms are usually creamy white, if exposed to direct sunlight, they can turn slightly purple.

Lime fruits and lime blossoms
Green to green-yellow fruits develop from the white flowers [Photo: ParinPix/ Shutterstock.com]

What is the difference between limes and lemons?

Both limes and lemons descend from the citron (Citrus medica) and one other parent each, so they are effectively half-siblings. The Persian lime, in turn, was created by crossing the key lime with a lemon. As a result, it is more similar to a lemon than a key lime. The easiest way to distinguish between these two citrus fruits is by their colour. In contrast to lemons, ripe lime fruits are green. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, limes can also have a yellow tinge, but they only ever turn completely yellow once overripe. In terms of shape, lemons are usually oval and have a protruding “nose”, whereas limes are round.

Despite their smaller size, limes usually contain more juice and are also a little zestier in taste than lemons. Due to their high juice content, limes are also more often used for making juice and syrup than lemons. In terms of nutrients, the two fruits have roughly the same amount of vitamin C, while lemons contain roughly twice as much potassium. In comparison to lemons, most lime varieties are much more sensitive to cold and have a shorter shelf life.

Lime vs. lemons: What is the difference between limes and lemons?

  • Lemons are yellow, limes are green
  • Lemons are oval, limes are round
  • Limes are smaller
  • Limes are juicier
  • Limes have a zestier flavour
  • Lemons contain about twice as much potassium
  • Lemons have a longer shelf life
Several limes and lemons
Limes tend to be rounder than lemons [Photo: A. Laengauer/ Shutterstock.com]

Types of limes

Besides the Persian lime, there are many other types of limes. Here is an overview of the different lime species:

  • Tahitian or Persian lime (Citrus latifolia): Also known as Bearss lime; relatively easy to care for, with requirements similar to lemons and oranges; strikingly broad leaves; somewhat oval fruits.
A Persian lime on lime tree
Persian lime trees are distinguished by their more oval shaped fruits and broad leaves [Photo: Ricardo de Paula Ferreira/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Key lime or Mexican lime (Citrus x aurantiifolia): The Latin name Citrus x aurantiifolia means ” golden leaf citrus”; the fruit is slightly smaller and contains many seeds; this lime tree is strongly branched and not quite as large as the Persian lime.
key lime on lime tree
Key limes are small and round [Photo: chutima chaimratana/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Rangpur lime (Citrus limonia): This species is also known as the mandarin lime as it has a green rind but orange flesh.
Rangpur lime with orange flesh
After cutting one open, it is obvious why Rangpur limes are also known as mandarin limes [Photo: casa.da.photo/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Palestine sweet lime (Citrus limettioides): Robust and easy to care for, similar to the Persian lime.

  • Kaffir lime or makrut lime (Citrus hystrix): Kaffir lime leaves are a common ingredient in Thai cooking.
kaffir limes with wrinkled peel
The wrinkled peel of the kaffir lime makes it easy to identify [Photo: smileimage9/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Pursha or Romana lime (Citrus limetta x Citrus sinensis): Also known as sweet lemon as it is not quite as acidic as other lime species.
Pursha lime tree with fruits
Pursha limes are sweet not because they contain more sugar, but because they are less acidic [Photo: Zabed Alam/ Shutterstock.com]
  • Caviar lime (Micro citrus australasica): This species, often known as Australian finger lime, has finger-shaped fruits with caviar-like flesh.
caviar lime on lime tree
The caviar lime hardly looks like a lime at all [Photo: Ivan Semenovych/ Shutterstock.com]

Unfortunately, many of these lime species cannot be purchased in supermarkets. However, if you would like to try a Rangpur or caviar lime, you can actually grow these lime trees yourself! Keep in mind that citrus plants have very specific growing conditions and nutrient requirements. We recommend using a special citrus fertiliser, such as our Plantura Liquid Citrus Food, to meet all of your lime tree’s nutrient needs. This liquid fertiliser is simple to use – simply dilute some into the water you use for watering and you are ready to go!

Liquid Citrus Food, 800ml
Liquid Citrus Food, 800ml
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(4.9/5)
  • Perfect for all citrus plants & Mediterranean plants
  • Liquid fertiliser for healthy plants & aromatic fruit
  • Quick & easy application - child & pet friendly
£10.99

Find out more about growing limes in our online magazine.

Harvesting limes: When are limes ripe?

Limes are harvested in late summer and sometimes not until winter. Yet in their natural habitat, limes can be harvested all year round. Limes are ready to harvest once the fruit has softened and the skin has lightened a little in colour. Only in the tropics, where temperatures remain constant, does the lime peel stay green when it is fully ripe. Here, it turns light green to yellow due to the cool temperatures at night.

Preserving and storing limes

After harvesting, clean the fruit thoroughly to remove any dirt. Store them at around 10 °C, for instance in the garage or cellar. If stored correctly, limes can keep for up to four weeks.

Limes and lemons in kitchen
Storing your limes at around 10 °C is ideal if you want them to keep for a long time [Photo: Studio Light and Shade/ Shutterstock.com]

Are limes good for you?

Yes, limes are very healthy! They are rich in minerals such as potassium, phosphate and calcium. Limes also have antioxidant flavonoids, carotenoids, trace elements and vitamins A, C and E. So, squeezing a little fresh lime juice over your meals can really pack a nutritious and deliciously zesty punch!

Is lime peel poisonous? No, lime peel is not toxic in and of itself. However, we do recommend washing your limes thoroughly before you use them as pesticides are often used to extend their shelf life. As a result, it is best to use organic limes. You can use lime zest as you would lemon zest. Lime zest can also be used to make lime salt, lime oil, and even liqueur.

Making a Lime zest curl
Lime zest is also excellent for cooking and baking [Photo: Lesya Dolyuk/ Shutterstock.com]

You can grow lime trees right here in the UK! Learn how to do this and what to consider in our article on planting, caring for and overwintering lime trees.

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