makrut lime

Also known as: combavas; leech lime; Mauritius papeda; Thai lime; wild lime

An evergreen shrub to 4m tall, with distinctive, glossy, dark green leaves in two parts. Fragrant white flowers to 2cm across are produced throughout the year; these are followed by bumpy-skinned limes. Both the leaves and fruit are widely used in South East Asian cuisine. Thai limes are best grown in a cool or temperate greenhouse or conservatory and moved outside during the summer months

Scientific classification

Species: makrut lime (Citrus hystrix)
Genus: Citrus
Family: Rutaceae

Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Shrubs · Conservatory Greenhouse
Plant type: 2.5-4 metres
Height: 1-1.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

makrut lime pictures

Distribution of makrut lime

Distribution map

Southeastern Asia

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of makrut lime

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makrut lime care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring. Sow seed at 16°C in spring

Growing

Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost (JI No. 2) in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely, mist daily and apply a balanced liquid every 2-3 weeks; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information

More growing and care information →