Citrus aurantiifolia (Bekele-Tesemma, 2007)

Citrus aurantiifolia Rutaceae Indonesia, India — naturalized

• English: Lime
• Agnuakgna: Lemun
• Amargna: Lomi
• Bertagna: Al lemu
• Kembatgna: Lomi
• Nuyergna: Lemun
• Oromugna: Lomi, Tuto
• Tigrigna: Lemin, Lemun

All plants in the citrus group originated in Asia, and limes probably came from Indonesia or India. This species is now cultivated throughout the tropics and in warm subtropics and it is the most widespread citrus in Ethiopia. It has become naturalized as a riverine tree or shrub at 1,000 m. It grows in Dry and Moist Kolla and Weyna Dega agroclimatic zones, up to 2,300 m. It is part of the natural forest in moist lowlands of North Shoa and Borena Negele.

Food (fruit), medicine (leaves, fruit).

An evergreen shrub or much-branched tree to 5 m with very many short sharp spines on the stems and beside leaves.

• LEAVES: Oval, rather small, shiny green 4–8 cm, the leaf stalk with a narrow “wing”, an extra leafy growth and a “joint” with the leaf blade, edge smooth or round-toothed.
• FLOWERS: Both buds and flowers white, 1–7 flowers in a leaf axil, each about 2cm across.
• FRUIT: Round or oval, to 6 cm diameter, but usually smaller, peel very thin, green or yellow, difficult to remove, pulp green, very acid but juicy.

Seedlings. Seedlings are largely true to type because of polyembryo and budding is therefore not normally done. Air layering can be used for multiplication of genetically identical plants. It is common in South-East Asia where this is a common fruit tree. Refer to expertise to secure best propagation methods and good variety.

• Treatment: Not necessary.

Observe good hygiene in order to minimize incidense of plant diseases. Pruning is generally recommended to shape the framework of the young tree and to eliminate crossing and inward-growing branches. Pruning also keeps the height easily reachable for picking.

A plant that is of economic importance because of its fruit. It normally starts bearing at around the age of 5 years.