Thai Lime Tree

Name: Thai Lime Tree
SKU: LIM006
Price: 490.00 ZAR
Availability: InStock

R490.00

Citrus hystrix

Thai Lime is also known as Bergamut or Makrut lime. Its fruit and leaves are used in Southeast Asian cuisine, with its oil used in perfumery. The rind and crushed leaves emit an intense citrus fragrance. The Thai lime produces a rough skin, warty green fruit which grows on a thorny bush.

The Thai lime is unique in that unlike other smooth-skinned limes, these are severely wrinkled and coarse. The fruit is not quite round but has a small peak at the top and contains very little juice. Although their flavour is less acidic, they have a spicy lime aroma with woody undertones. Due to its rich aroma and citrusy flavour the fruit is prized more for its skin.

The leaf accompanying the fruit sets this tree apart from all other limes. The leaves look like two joined together: the lower leaf is more oval, and the upper leaf is more heart-shaped. The fresh leaves are shiny, bright green, and loaded with natural oil.

In Thailand, the Thai lime is used to help keep the family clean, both inside and outside the home. The leaves are an excellent digestive aid and are believed to cleanse the blood, as well as maintain healthy teeth and gums. Thai lime oil is an excellent household cleaner used to remove stubborn stains.

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SKU: LIM006 Categories: All Tropicals, Fruit Trees, Lime Trees

Description
Additional information

Position

Thai lime trees enjoy plenty of sun, at least 6 hours every day. The best spot is an area that gets direct sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon. Thai limes do not tolerate very cold temperatures well, so ensure they receive warmth and sunlight.

Size

Thai limes can grow to a height of between 6 and 8 metres, with a width of 2 to 4 metres. Ensure that you provide sufficient space for the tree to grow, with a minimum of 5 metres between trees.

Soil Type

Well-draining, loamy, acidic soil is ideal for the Thai lime. Their roots are easily prone to root rot, so ensure that the soil has good drainage, as they cannot grow in poor soil. A soil pH of 6 to 6.5 is best suited. Adding one bag of acid compost would be ideal.

Mulching

Apply 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.

Watering

Watering is usually sufficient once per week. The soil should stay moist but not soggy, as the Thai lime is prone to root rot. Do not water just because the soil surface looks dry. The rule of thumb to test the water in the soil is to stick your finger in the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil is then dry, it would need more watering.

Fertilizing

Thai limes enjoy fertilisers with a high nitrogen content. Use our slow-release nitrogen-rich fertiliser, like our all-purpose fertiliser (which is excellent for citrus). Apply 1 teaspoon of our berry fertiliser every 4-5 months.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) will assist in either prevention or after the fact. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.

Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).

Watch for root rot (caused by overwatering) and fungal infections during wet periods.

Pruning

Pruning is essential to keep the Thai lime tree small and manageable. Prune back the branches if they look weeping. Ensure that you remove diseased or dead branches that are dark brown in color, particularly those with dark brown discoloration below the bark. Prune off any sprouts that are growing about 25 centimetres above the soil line.

Weight	3 kg
Dimensions	20 × 20 × 70 cm
Weight	3
Length	15
Width	15
Height	70
Packaging Type	xlarge_parcel
Maximum	6
Packaging Type 1	large_parcel
Maximum 1	6
Packaging Type 2	medium_parcel
Maximum 2	3
Packaging Type 3	flyer_size
Maximum 3	1