Varieties of Lime Trees

Limes are a popular member of the citrus family. They are cultivated for use in desserts and drinks, as well as used to season savory dishes. The flesh of the lime can be eaten, but the lime's juice is the fruit's primary attraction. Lime zest is also used in some cooking. There are two varieties of lime trees commonly available.

The Key lime, so called as it was once grown commercially in the Florida Keys, is also sometimes referred to as a Mexican lime. The fruit is perhaps most famous for its role in Key lime pie. It is a compact tree, more like a shrub, when compared to other limes. The seedy fruits are much smaller as well (usually the size of a walnut), and are yellow when ripe. The rind of the fruit is somewhat thin.

Tahiti limes are the limes most commonly sold at your local supermarket. They are much larger than their Key lime counterparts, and are bright green in color. The trees can grow up to 20 feet tall. The fruit has a thick rind and very few seeds. Tahiti limes are sometimes referred to as Persian or bearss limes.

These are not actually lime trees, but rather other varieties of citrus that closely resemble limes. Be cautious when purchasing a lime tree, that you do not inadvertently purchase one of these varieties.

Limequats are hybrids of Mexican limes and kumquats. The fruit of a limequat closely resembles a Mexican lime. According to Texas A&M Extension, the limequat tree is somewhat hardier than a Mexican lime, but not as hardy as a kumquat, which can withstand some frost without damage.