Citrus hystrix

Common Names

Kaffir Lime, Makrut Lime, Leech Lime, Thai Lime, Mauritius Papeda, Mauritius Bitter Orange, Kieffer Lime, Limau Purut, Combavas, Wild Lime, Kabuyaw, La Chanh

Summary

Citrus hystrix, commonly known as Kaffir lime or Makrut lime, is a small, thorny evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It is prized for highly aromatic, double-lobed leaves and a distinctive bumpy green fruit whose rind and leaves are widely used for flavoring in Southeast Asian cooking.

For cultivation, Kaffir lime requires warm, bright conditions and is best in full sun with well-drained soil, tolerates regular moisture but not waterlogging, and is frost-sensitive; grown in USDA zones 9–12 or indoors in cooler climates, with pruning, fertilization, and wind protection as needed. Leaves, rind, and fruit are used in cooking and traditional medicine, and essential oils from leaves and rind are valued in perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy; propagation is via seeds or cuttings, with pests such as aphids, scale, and mites to monitor.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-25 feet

Spread

12-48 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun, tolerates Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter and a slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 5.5–7.0).

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-6.5, slightly acidic

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Year-round in tropical climates; in temperate regions, spring to early summer.

Foliage Color

Dark green (glossy)

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; evergreen leaves stay green year-round

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Medium growth, with vigorous growth especially in spring

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other insect pollinators