Does a lime tree have spikes?

Lime. … Most commercially valuable lime trees do have small thorns, and although thornless varieties are more desirable, they are less productive, according to Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture. The Mexican lime, or the Key lime, is probably the most well-known of the varieties.

Lime trees developed thorns as a way to discourage hungry animals from nibbling on their tender young leaves: In the case of Kaffir limes, strong spines up to 1 ½ inches long protrude from the branches just beneath each cluster of lemon-scented leaves. The thorns on small, shrubby Key limes are just as sharp.

‘ They have no seeds and they’re virtually thornless. West Indian limes have little thorns all the way down to the ends of the branches. … If you can’t make up your mind between one lime tree and another there’s a new plant called a ‘Splitzer’ that has a Tahitian lime on one side and a Kaffir lime on the other.

Citrus aurantifolia ‘Mexican Thornless‘ The bartender’s lime with the added bonus of having no thorns. Mature fruit is small, green to yellow green ripening in July to December. Best grown in areas with long summers and frost free winters.

You do not have to plant two lime trees together for the flowers to be pollinated outdoors; however, you do need foraging bees or other pollinating insects. … The more bees you have, the more flowers are pollinated and the more limes your tree will yield.

Container grown lime trees, like all the citrus trees, love lots of sun and moist, well-draining soil. Choose a location with at least eight hours of direct sun. Situating against a south facing wall, building or fence is ideal and will also protect the tree from cold northern winds.

Why Does My Citrus Plant Have Thorns? The presence of thorns on citrus trees has evolved for exactly the same reason that animals such as hedgehogs and porcupines sport prickly hides– protection from predators, specifically, hungry animals that want to nibble away at the tender leaves and fruit.

Are Citrus Tree Thorns Poisonous? Citrus tree thorns are not poisonous and do not contain harmful compounds or toxins. … Although the thorns on citrus trees aren’t poisonous, the oil from the leaves can cause rashes and skin irritation. You should still be careful around the thorns because they can scratch you.

Score the rind of the fruit carefully. Lemon trees’ fruit will smell like lemons, while limes will display a strong lime scent. Remove a leaf, crush it and smell the leaf’s oils. The lemon tree’s leaves will have a strong lemon odor, while the lime leaves will smell like lime.

This tree grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24″ per year.

The heart-shaped lime tree leaf is associated with the heart and all its symbolism, which explains its association with the principles of Love, Fidelity and Justice. … A “Feminine Tree”, the lime often plays an essential role in myths, fairy tales, legends and in popular customs.

Kaffir lime leaves are most often used as an essential ingredient for flavoring many Asian dishes such as soups, curries, and fish. They can be used fresh off the tree or from dried leaves. Kaffir lime leaves can also be frozen to retain their freshness. Picking the leaves every few weeks may help encourage growth.

A Citrus Splitzer gives you the option to grow two different citrus on the one tree. A well balanced and healthy tree is easily achieved, this tree has been planted in the ground for around 4 years, full of fruit and very happy.

The juiciest limes are typically the most popular ones. Tahitian limes are known for their juicy flesh, which makes them highly desirable. Finger limes are also very juicy, but their juice is quite sour.

The tree grows limes year-round but with heavier yields during two main seasons, in May and June and November and December.