Tropical Plant "Tahiti lemon"
Citrus latifolia

Characteristics - The Tahiti lemon is actually an acidic 'lima' orange, whose origin is unknown, one theory is, that it is a hybrid of Citrus aurantifolia and C. medica. Its hybrid origin is clear: a triploid constitution, with sterile pollen and it is normally seedless; it is widely cultivated in both domestic and commercial orchards, throughout most of Brazil. It is a small evergreen tree, almost thornless, branches somewhat pendulous, 4-6 m tall, the new buds are purplish. Leaves simple, coriaceous, glabrous and lustrous, 3-7 cm long, with an alate petiole. Flowers and buds are light tinted with purple, arranged on short, terminal racemes; they form from July to September. Fruits oval, about 70 g, with a short mammila at the apex, the skin has oil vesicles, the pulp is succulent, firm, very acidic and sugarless; they mature from December to April.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in natura, in the form of juice, also as a condiment.

Propagation - Propagated by grafting.