Tropical Plant "Key Lime"
Citrus aurantifolia

Characteristics - The key lime is an exotic fruit bearer, that originated in the Indo-Malayan region. It is a large shrub or small evergreen tree, 2-4 m tall, usually having acute, axillary thorns. Leaves simple, pleasantly aromatic, coriaceous, glabrous on both surfaces, purplish when new, 5.0-7.5 cm long, with narrow, alate petioles. Flowers solitary or in axillary groups of 2-7, almost odorless; they form in July-August. The fruits form (with or without a navel), size and flavor vary, according to the cultivar.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in natura, fresh or as juice and as a condiment.

Propagation - By seeds and grafting.