- Family: Rutaceae
- Type: Small evergreen citrus tree
- Height: 2–5 meters
- Origin: Southeast Asia (widely cultivated in tropical regions)
Fruit Characteristics
- Small, round to oval fruits
- Thin green to yellow rind when ripe
- Highly aromatic, acidic juice
- More intense flavor compared to larger limes
Growing Conditions (Philippine Context)
- Climate: Tropical to subtropical
- Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5)
- Water: Moderate; avoid waterlogging
- Propagation: Seeds, budding, or grafting
In the Philippines, it grows well in lowland areas and is commonly planted in backyards and small farms.
Flowering & Fruiting
- Flowers are small, white, and fragrant
- Can flower multiple times per year under good conditions
- Fruits mature in about 3–4 months after flowering
Uses & Applications
Culinary
- Flavoring for dishes (e.g., sinigang, marinades)
- Juice for beverages and sauces
- Essential ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine
Medicinal & Traditional Uses
- Rich in vitamin C
- Used for:
- Cough and colds relief
- Digestive aid
- Detox drinks
Essential Oil & Fragrance
- Peel yields lime essential oil
- Used in:
- Aromatherapy
- Perfumery (fresh citrus top notes)
This aligns well with your ANOC (Ethereal Scent) concept—lime can act as a top note enhancer in perfume blends.
Agroforestry & Business Value
- Fast-bearing compared to other fruit trees
- High demand in food, beverage, and wellness markets
- Potential integration with:
- Essential oil extraction (steam distillation or cold pressing)
- Herbal tea blends (for CAHTI)
- Intercropping in agroforestry systems (CAPI model)
Common Pests & Diseases
- Citrus leaf miner
- Aphids
- Citrus greening (HLB)
- Root rot (poor drainage)
Pro Tip (for Plantation Use)
For commercial or agroforestry integration:
- Use grafted seedlings for earlier fruiting (1–2 years)
- Incorporate organic fertilization (fits with COFI products)
- Consider hedgerow planting for efficient harvesting