Limes

Not one plant, but several species and hybrids, grown in the tropics and subtropics for sharp fruit.

A lime, in Britannica's wording, is any of several species and hybrids of trees and shrubs of the genus Citrus (family Rutaceae), widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas for their edible acidic fruits. Britannica The Persian lime (Citrus x latifolia) is one of the most common commercial varieties, though the smaller key lime, or Mexican lime (C. x aurantifolia), is also economically important in many places. Britannica

Key lime and Persian lime, not to scale.Drawing: our own, simplified and not to scale

The tree seldom grows more than 5 metres (16 feet) high and if not pruned becomes shrublike. Britannica The fruit is usually about 3 to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 inches) in diameter, oval to nearly globular, often with a small apical nipple, and the peel is thin and greenish yellow when ripe. Britannica Most limes exceed lemons in both acid and sugar content. There are, however, some varieties so lacking in citric acid that they are known as sweet limes. Britannica

Wild limes probably originated in the Indonesian archipelago or the nearby mainland of Asia. Britannica Arabian traders may have taken limes, as well as lemons, from India to the eastern Mediterranean countries and Africa about 1000 CE. Britannica Christopher Columbus took citrus seeds, probably including limes, to the West Indies on his second voyage in 1493. Britannica

Limes contain vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and were formerly used in the British navy to prevent scurvy, hence the nickname "limey," in Britannica's wording. Britannica

The fruit and leaves of the Thai lime, or makrut lime (C. hystrix), add distinctive flavour to the cuisines of Southeast Asia. Britannica Finger limes (C. australasica), native to Australia, are noted for their discrete juice vesicles, sometimes called "lime caviar." Britannica

Limes and grapefruits should be kept above 10 degrees C (50 degrees F). RHS

The RHS also groups limes with the easier citrus to try in the UK, alongside certain kumquats and calamondin oranges. Certain varieties of kumquats, limes and calamondin oranges can also be fairly straightforward. RHS