Thai Lime or makrut lime or Mauritius papeda
Citrus hystrix
Rue family (Rutaceae)
The stories related to this plant are still being edited.
Themes
The Botanical Gardens Association cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects of the use of plants. Always seek the advice of a professional before using any plant medicinally. Always seek the advice of a professional before using any plant medicinally.
Crown jewel of the Twickel Estate.
This species is used primarily for its leaves, which are used fresh or dried as a herb to flavour Asian dishes, including soups, stews, curries and sauces. It is a common ingredient in Thai cuisine and provides the characteristic flavour to tom yam soup. The zest and rind can also be used but the fruit itself has almost no juice.
Fragrant leaves, flowers and fruits.
Details
| Description: | Tree, 3-6 m; the larger twigs bear spines. |
|---|---|
| Distributions: | Southeast asia. |
| Habitat: | Not known in a truly wild habitat. prefer warm tropical to sub-tropical climates with abundant rainfall. |
| Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic evergreen) |
| Hardiness: | 34 - 41 f (tender - cool or frost-free glasshouse) |
| Flowering period: | Maart - mei |
| Flower color: | White, pink, red |
| Notes on flowers: | Petals are white with a reddish or pink colouration on the outside. |
| Fruiting period: | November - december |
| Fruit color: | Yellow |
| Notes on fruits: | The sub-globose fruit is 3-5 cm wide by 5-7 cm long, with a rough skin with numerous small oil glands, and ripens to lemon yellow. |
| At its best: | Maart - mei, november - december |