Today we will be talking about a plant whose popularity in Spain is very wide and in the rest of the world as well, despite the fact that there is a great variety of this species all over the world.
But within all that range of citrus fruits that belong to the same family, the lime tree is one of the most common to see in gardens thanks to the fact that they do not have a large size and can be cultivated without any problem.
Origin and characteristics of the lime tree
The lime tree, whose scientific name is Citrus aurantifoliaIt is native to the Asian continent, where it grows in milder and warmer climates. It has a rapid growth up to 3-4 meters in heightand has evergreen green leaves.
The truth would surprise you how many lime trees exist around the world, but the vast majority of them end up having almost the same size in terms of their fruits. These they can be both green and yellow.
What if not all species of this type have acidic characteristics. There are some lime trees that are quite sweet, such as the lime tree.. What if, regardless of the variety, they all share very similar beneficial properties.
The most common of it is to be a rich source of vitamin Cin addition to having essential oils plus antiseptic and detoxifying properties. Its small and beautiful flowers are small, and have 4 white petals. The fruit, the lime, unlike other fruit trees, is consumed when they turn green.
It is a plant that will allow you to control its development in a very simple way. In addition, as it does not grow much, you can have it in pots throughout its life, or in small gardens.
This is a tree that during the Arabian invasion that the Spanish territory lived, could be found in all warm climate regions of the country. And it is that in addition to having a fruit whose flavor is delicious, its size remains reduced throughout its life, being able to have it both in small gardens and in pots.
If you have just purchased a specimen and you are wondering how to care for a lime tree, take note of these tips to keep it healthy, not the following. So get ready because you will be about to see much of the information that characterizes this plant and thus be able to give it the life it deserves in your garden.
Features
Although the characteristics of the plant have already been discussed in a superficial way, the most outstanding aspects of the lime plant have not yet been fully specified. So you look at these following features.
General aspect
It has a fairly robust appearance and has quite dense foliage. The trunk of this species is not usually straight, so it is very normal to see a certain curvature in its trunk.
As for its bark, it is quite smooth and soft to the touch and a large number of branches branch from its base. These branches usually have very small thorns but firm and hard enough to cause some damage if not careful.
Leaves
You already know the color of the leaves but you still don’t know what their shape is. So that, the leaves of the lime tree are elliptical or may be oval. It has a great brightness, especially when sunlight falls on them.
The width of the leaves does not exceed 6 cm and they can reach a maximum length of 9 cm. The smallest leaves only manage to grow to a minimum of 3 cm in length.
Flores
Lime blossoms are not as showy or pronounced to the naked eye. But what makes them peculiar and attractive is for the sense of smell, since they possess or give off a pleasant aroma during their flowering.
These are quite small which are between 2 and 3 cm in diameter. These are arranged in an axillary shape where each axillary has a maximum of 7 flowers, so a cluster can easily generate up to 8 files.
Fruit
The fruit of the lime tree can be either globose or oval in shape. The outside of the fruit is dark green that then turns yellowish green, which means that the lime is ripe.
The size of the file itself is not that big. They can measure between 4 and 5 cm in diameter and their skin is quite fragile and thinso it is very easy to tear it and get the pulp of the fruit.
A curious fact is that By crossing several species of the same family, it has been possible to obtain a fruit with a degree of acidity different from the usual. In addition, the result of this crossing causes the tone of the crust to change. In these cases, the fruit ends up having a greater amount of Vitamin C and citric acid.
Farming
In cultivation, the lime tree is not a very demanding species, but we must bear in mind that will require frost protectionsince it is very sensitive to cold.
Likewise, neither can we forget the pH of the substrate or garden soil. It can adapt to any type of soil, but in those that are clayey or have a high pH, it is likely to show signs of chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves), caused by a lack of some mineral -commonly iron-, so it will be necessary to add iron chelates.
When talking about how to prevent pests and diseases, we need to talk about water drainage. Indeed, an excess or lack of irrigation will make the tree appear decayed, something that insects, fungi and company will not hesitate to enter the plant through the roots, or adhere to the leaves to absorb the sap.
To avoid this, I recommend that you add a layer of about two centimeters of volcanic grade to the inside of the pot or the planting hole. Thus, the roots will not be in direct contact with the water for longer than they should.
Water about twice a week in summer, and 1-2 every 7 or 10 days the rest of the year, and you will see how you will have a splendid lime tree. Especially if you fertilize it from time to time with a little worm castings from any other organic compost.
Care
The first thing to know is the environment where you may or may not have the plant, since being a kind of tropical areas, requires a place where it is above 23 ° C.
In addition to this, it has to be kept under direct sun or failing that, in a semi-shaded place where the sun can affect them for about 6 or 7 hours a day.
As for the soil, it is already very well specified, but adding some extra data, you can check the humidity of the soil once you have done the corresponding irrigation. Similarly, try to use compost or fertile soil to enhance the development of the fruit.
In case you have acquired the seeds or a plant already germinated in its initial stages, you should make sure not to provide too much water. Just enough to keep the soil hydrated and moist. In addition to this, you will have to have it under direct sun.
Keep in mind that in order to see the first flowering of the plant you will have to wait at least 3 years and as for the production of fruits, you must wait at least 8 years. So don’t think that just because you have this fast-growing plant, you will have fruits ready to eat.
The good news is that not all lime trees have the same ability to develop fruits and flowers. Depending on the grafts that have been done, just wait about a year to start seeing results. After 3 or 4 years after the first harvest, the lime production will be enhanced and will be at its peak.
Uses
The first use that we can mention of this plant is that of it you can extract essential oils which have properties very similar to that of lemon. This oil is used mainly to make flavored drinks.
Not to mention that these same oils and essences from the lime are in great demand in today’s market, since It is the basis for the elaboration of personal hygiene productsas well as perfumes and fragrances for women.
In the same way, it is impossible to deny the fact that the lime as well as fruits with similar characteristics are used for the preparing sweets and even preserving food. In addition to giving a better flavor to these foods and preparations.
The reason that the lime has this edible use is thanks to its great beneficial properties for the body. Like lemon, has a high amount of vitamin C, as well as pectins and citric acid. All these compounds are bases for the elaboration of medicines that are currently marketed throughout the world.
