Kaffir Lime
Citrus hystrix
An evergreen shrub or small tree distinguished by its uniquely shaped, double-bladed glossy green leaves that appear to consist of two fused leaf-like segments, along with thorny branches.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Water deeply when the soil is dry to the touch. Drought tolerance is low, and overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen woody shrub or small tree growing up to 6 to 20 feet tall with a dense, branching habit.
Care instructions
Provide full sun exposure, a well-draining soil mix, and watering when the top several inches of soil become dry. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Water deeply when the soil is dry to the touch. Drought tolerance is low, and overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
Soil
Prefers loamy, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 9 through 11, sensitive to freezing temperatures and frost.
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen woody shrub or small tree growing up to 6 to 20 feet tall with a dense, branching habit.
Bloom season
Spring, producing small, fragrant white flowers.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through stem cuttings or grafting onto hardy rootstocks, typically in spring or early summer.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and citrus leaf miners. Root rot can occur if soil drainage is inadequate.
Similar species
Other citrus species like standard lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), but Citrus hystrix is easily distinguished by its prominent, distinctively constricted, winged leaf petioles giving a double-leaf appearance.