Citrus × latifolia (Persian Lime)

The most widely cultivated lime, Citrus × latifolia (Persian Lime) is a medium-sized, nearly thornless evergreen shrub or small tree, prized for its oval fruit, 2-3 in. across (4-6 cm), with juicy light greenish-yellow pulp. Vivid green and glossy when immature, the fruit turns pale-yellow when ripe. It is aromatic, juicy, acid, but without the distinctive bouquet of the Key lime. It is bigger and seedless, with a lower acidity and a thicker rind than that of the Key lime (Citrus x aurantiifolia). The slightly fragrant flowers are beautiful with their 5 long white petals, with a light purple tinge on the margins, and their bundled white stamens adorned with yellow anthers. They shine against the evergreen foliage of glossy green, broadly lanceolate leaves. Flowers and fruit appear throughout the year, but are most abundant in winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Moderately vigorous, Persian Lime boasts nearly thornless, widespread, drooping branches. It is a cross between key lime (Citrus x aurantiifolia) and lemon (Citrus limon).