ExploreTree

Lime Tree

Sphaenorhynchus pauloalvini

The Lime Tree is a small tree that gives us tasty green limes. These limes are zesty and perfect for adding flavor to drinks and dishes!

Habitat: Warm, tropical areas

Appearance

The Lime Tree is a small, bushy tree with glossy, dark green oval leaves. It has delicate white or purplish-tinged flowers and produces distinctive small, round to oval, bright green fruits that can turn yellow when fully ripe.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsida

Lime Tree

Interesting facts

A single mature lime tree can produce hundreds of zesty fruits every year.

Ancient sailors ate limes to prevent scurvy, a serious illness, on long sea voyages!

Some lime varieties are actually yellow when fully ripe, not just green!

The zest (outer peel) of a lime holds powerful, fragrant oils used worldwide.

Special abilities

Lime Tree can produce highly fragrant flowers, attracting essential insect pollinators like bees to help it reproduce.

Lime Tree has evergreen leaves, allowing it to photosynthesize and produce energy continually throughout the year.

Measurements & details

Height: 2-7 m
Canopy Spread: 2-5 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 10-30 cm
Lifespan: 50-150 years
Fruit Type: Lime fruit
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Evergreen

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Visits fragrant flowers to collect nectar and pollen.

eats

Citrus Leafminer

Phyllocnistis citrella

Larvae tunnel and feed within the lime tree's young leaves.

eats

Human

Homo sapiens

Cultivates and consumes the delicious and tangy lime fruit.

eats

Spirea Aphid

Aphis spiraecola

Feeds on young shoots, sucking sap and weakening the tree.

Traits

Aromatic

Sniff out plants that release wonderful smells into the air! Their delightful fragrances attract pollinators or deter unwelcome visitors.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fruit Tree

Discover trees that grow delicious fruits, providing a natural bounty of snacks for people and animals alike. Imagine picking an apple right from the branch!

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!