Limau Nipis

Common name: Key Lime

Malay name: Limau Nipis

Scientific name: Citrus aurantifolia

Conservation status: Cultivated, Naturalised, Introduced (northern India and Myanmar)

Description

A tree that reaches up to 5 m tall. Stems are spiny. Leaves are pointed. It bears clusters of white, fragrant flowers. Fruits are round and turn yellow when ripe.

Habit: Perennial tree

Cultivation: It is planted by seeds, cuttings or air-layering

Ecological function: The flowers attract pollinators. It can be used as a hedge plant.

Pollinator: Insects, especially honeybees

Soil: Loamy soils. It tolerates clayey soils

Moisture: Moist, well-drained soils

Shade: No shade

Use: Fruits are eaten raw, cooked or used as flavouring. The oils extracted from fruit peels, leaves and seeds are used for soap-making.