Key Lime
Citrus ×aurantiifolia
Bias Chakraborty
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rutaceae
- Genus:
- Citrus
- Species:
- Citrus ×aurantiifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- CIAU7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Omnivorous Leafroller (Platynota stultana), Pyroderces badia
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Eastern Giant (Heraclides cresphontes)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers fertile soils with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds are polyembryonic and should be planted fresh for best germination rates. Requires warm temperatures (70-85°F).
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI