- Scientific name: Citrus hystrix
- Family: Rutaceae
- Origin: Southeast Asia
- Growth habit: Small, thorny evergreen tree (2–6 meters tall)
- Distinct feature: Double-lobed leaves (look like two leaves joined together)
- Reliable flowering: by 2–3 years
Key Uses
- Culinary (High-Value Niche Market)
- Leaves are used in Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian cuisine (soups, curries)
- Rind is used for flavoring and zest
- Not typically eaten fresh due to its very sour and bitter juice
- Essential Oil & Perfumery
- Leaves and peel produce kaffir lime oil
- Rich in citronellal → fresh, citrusy-green scent
- Used in:
- Aromatherapy
- Natural perfumes (fits your ANOC / Ethereal Scent line)
- Soap and cosmetic products
- Medicinal & Functional Uses
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Traditional use for:
- Hair cleansing (natural shampoo)
- Skin care
- Digestive support
Agroforestry Value
Perfect for integration into your Crown Agroforestry Plantations Inc. (CAPI) systems:
- Compact tree – ideal for multi-layer cropping
- High-value leaves (continuous harvest)
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Pest-repellent properties (natural insect deterrent)
Growth & Yield Timeline
- Nursery stage: 3–6 months
- First harvest (leaves): 1–2 years
- Fruit production: 2–3 years
- Full productivity: 4–5 years
Propagation
- Seed – slower, variable quality
- Grafting / budding – preferred for uniformity
- Cuttings – possible but less common