Types of Lime Trees

Lime Tree Varieties

Limes are nutritious, extremely sour citrus used for flavoring (rarely eaten raw). Trees are compact, attractive, often grown as ornamentals in containers. Die near freezing—outdoor only in subtropical zones or potted.

Major Types

Mexican Lime (Key Lime / West Indian Lime)

Most well-known in America. Small (<2 in), round/oblong. Tree: short, bushy, thorny. Thin yellow-green skin. Strong classic lime fragrance.

Rangpur Lime

Primarily ornamental. Fruit seedy, mandarin-like. Graceful upright shape, dark glossy leaves—attractive container tree.

Tahiti Lime (Persian Lime)

Hybrid for large key-lime-like fruit. One of largest lime trees (to 20 ft). Branches smooth or thorny (unpredictable). Fruit up to 3 in diameter with distinctive nipple. Similar to Mexican lime in aroma/taste.

Omani Lime

From Oman (Middle East). Small, compact, thorny tree. Tiny fragrant limes boiled in salt water, dried, used as seasoning. Sour, unmistakably citrusy spice.

Kaffir Lime

From Indonesia. Valued for leaves as much as fruit. Dark green leaves used in SE Asian cuisine (Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia). Bumpy rind. Juice used in medicines/recipes. Strong tangy citrus aroma and flavor in both leaves and fruit.