How do I care for a Makrut lime tree?

Makrut lime trees prefer full sun, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture. Protect them from frost as they are sensitive to cold temperatures. Regular fertilization during the growing season is beneficial.

Can I grow Makrut lime indoors?

Yes, Makrut lime trees can be grown indoors in containers, provided they receive ample sunlight (preferably a south-facing window) and are protected from drafts and dry air. Reduce watering in winter.

What is the difference between Makrut lime and other limes?

Makrut lime (Citrus hystrix) is distinguished by its bumpy, intensely aromatic rind and uniquely shaped, double-lobed leaves, which are as prized as its fruit in cooking. Its juice is very tart and not typically used in the same way as Persian or Key limes.

How are Makrut lime leaves used?

Makrut lime leaves are widely used in Thai, Laotian, Indonesian, and Malaysian cuisines. They are often bruised, torn, or thinly sliced and added to curries, soups, stir-fries, and marinades to impart a distinctive citrusy aroma and flavor.

When and how should I harvest Makrut lime fruit?

Makrut lime fruits are typically harvested when they reach a mature size and start to turn from green to a yellowish-green color. They can be used fresh, or the rind can be zested or dried for later use.

Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) – Growing Guide, Care & Benefits

Makrut Lime Toxicity

Safety information from plant toxicity data

Toxicity details for Makrut Lime
Attribute	Value
Toxic for humans	No 0/5 intensity
Toxic for pets	No 0/5 intensity
Edible	Yes

None

Makrut Lime Quick Facts

Key traits and growing stats from plant data

Plant Type: Tree
Plant Category: Fruit
Plant Place Type: Garden, Pot
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Height: 3m - 6m
Spread: 3m - 6m
Tall Or Wide: Tall
Growth Rate: Moderate
Dormancy: None
Leaf Color: Green
Leaf Type: Simple
Flower Size: 2cm - 3cm
Optimal Sunlight (lux): 60000

Care guide for Makrut Lime

Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data

Water

Water regularly, allowing the top 2-5 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.

Consistent moisture is key, especially during flowering and fruiting periods.

Pruning

Prune to shape the plant, remove dead or crossing branches, and improve air circulation. Light pruning can be done anytime, but major shaping is best in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Aim for an open, vase-like structure.

Propagation

Makrut lime is typically propagated by grafting or air layering. Cuttings can be difficult to root. Grafting ensures desirable fruit characteristics.

Air layering involves rooting a stem while it's still attached to the parent plant, offering a higher success rate for home growers.

Repotting

Repot young plants annually or when root-bound, and mature plants every 2-3 years. Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for citrus or a general-purpose mix amended with perlite.

Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering.

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Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · DecPeak fruit · Dec

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Oct

FloweringFruiting

Image Gallery

Photos of Makrut Lime (Citrus hystrix)

Distribution

Where Makrut Lime (Citrus hystrix) is found

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Density

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Distribution map for Makrut Lime (Citrus hystrix)

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Density

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<1k

1–5k

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Makrut Lime Names & Synonyms

Common names and botanical synonyms

Common Names

Indonesian Lime Leaves
Jeruk Purut
Kaffir Lime
Kieffer Lime
Leech Lime
Limau Purut
Makrut Lime
Makrut-Lime
Mauritius Bitter Orange
Mauritius Papeda
Papeda
Thai Bai Makrut
Thai Lime
Wild Lime

Synonyms

Citrus auraria Michel
Citrus balincolong (Yu.Tanaka) Yu.Tanaka
Citrus boholensis (Wester) Yu.Tanaka
Citrus celebica Koord.
Citrus combara Raf.
Citrus hyalopulpa Yu.Tanaka
Citrus kerrii (Swingle) Yu.Tanaka
Citrus macroptera Montrouz.
Citrus megaloxycarpa Lush.
Citrus micrantha Wester
Citrus papeda Miq.
Citrus papuana F.M.Bailey
Citrus pennivesiculata (Lush.) Yu.Tanaka
Citrus southwickii Wester
Citrus torosa Blanco
Citrus tuberoides J.W.Benn.
Citrus ventricosa Michel
Citrus vitiensis Yu.Tanaka
Citrus westeri Yu.Tanaka
Fortunella sagittifolia K.M.Feng & P.Y.Mao
Papeda rumphii Hassk.

Makrut Lime Taxonomy

Botanical classification

Taxonomic classification of Makrut Lime
Rank	Name
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Sapindales
Family	Rutaceae
Genus	Citrus
Species	Citrus hystrix

Similar Plants

Similar in genus Citrus

Shaddock

Citrus maxima

Kumquat

Citrus japonica

Trifoliate Orange

Citrus trifoliata

Australian Finger Lime

Citrus australasica

Makrut Lime FAQs

Answers based on plant encyclopedia data

How do I care for a Makrut lime tree?
Makrut lime trees prefer full sun, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture. Protect them from frost as they are sensitive to cold temperatures. Regular fertilization during the growing season is beneficial.
Can I grow Makrut lime indoors?
Yes, Makrut lime trees can be grown indoors in containers, provided they receive ample sunlight (preferably a south-facing window) and are protected from drafts and dry air. Reduce watering in winter.
What is the difference between Makrut lime and other limes?
Makrut lime (Citrus hystrix) is distinguished by its bumpy, intensely aromatic rind and uniquely shaped, double-lobed leaves, which are as prized as its fruit in cooking. Its juice is very tart and not typically used in the same way as Persian or Key limes.
How are Makrut lime leaves used?
Makrut lime leaves are widely used in Thai, Laotian, Indonesian, and Malaysian cuisines. They are often bruised, torn, or thinly sliced and added to curries, soups, stir-fries, and marinades to impart a distinctive citrusy aroma and flavor.
When and how should I harvest Makrut lime fruit?
Makrut lime fruits are typically harvested when they reach a mature size and start to turn from green to a yellowish-green color. They can be used fresh, or the rind can be zested or dried for later use.

Makrut LimeCitrus hystrix

Makrut Lime Care Summary