Citrus hystrix (Thai lime)

Botanical name

Citrus hystrix

Other names

Thai lime, Mauritius papeda, Kaffir lime, Leech lime, Caffre lime, Makrut lime, Combavas, Wild lime, Kabuyao, Kieffer lime

Genus

Citrus Citrus

Species

C. hystrix - C. hystrix is a large, tender, thorny, evergreen shrub or small tree with aromatic, glossy, distinctively-shaped, 'double', dark green leaves and, throughout the year, small, fragrant, white flowers are followed by round to oval, bumpy green fruit.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Upright

Toxicity

Excessive exposure to peel oil may cause skin irritation. Contact with sap may cause skin irritation.

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Colour

Flower

White in All seasons

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Caterpillars , Fruit tree red spider mite , Glasshouse red spider mite , Mealybugs , Scale insects

Specific diseases

Phytophthora root diseases

General care

Pruning

Thin fruit as required. Pruning group 1. Fruit flavour is best if harvested when still green.

Propagation

Seedlings will not come true to type.

Propagation methods

Layering, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Citrus hystrix (Thai lime) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 4m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Add to salads, Architectural, Cake decoration, City, Conservatory, Containers, Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks, Indoor, Mediterranean, Specimen tree, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely, mist daily & feed every 2-3 weeks; sparingly in winter. Outdoors, grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Citrus hystrix (Thai lime)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Prodiplosis longifila

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

5

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous gall midge present in the Americas; where it causes damage to outdoor and glasshouse crops. Europe-wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Citrus hystrix (Thai lime)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa (all other strains and subspecies)

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range and many sub-species and strains; including those that could thrive in cooler climates; showing different levels of pathogenicity. Although EU regulated; there is some concern about the risk of introduction. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Citrus hystrix (Thai lime)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/