Thai Lime, Kaffir Lime, Kieffer Lime, Mauritius Papeda, Leech Lime, Makrut Lime, Combavas, Wild Lime
The Kaffir lime tree (Citrus hystrix), also called Thai lime or makrut lime, is an evergreen citrus plant prized more for its fragrant foliage than its fruit. Native to tropical Southeast Asia, it is an indispensable ingredient in Thai, Indonesian, and Cambodian cuisine. With its distinctively bumpy fruit and hourglass-shaped leaves, the kaffir lime plant stands out in both appearance and utility—offering rich culinary, medicinal, and ornamental value.
The term “makrut lime” is increasingly preferred due to the problematic history of the word “kaffir”.
The Kaffir lime is a small, thorny citrus tree with a unique botanical feature: double leaves formed by the leaf blade and its winged petiole, giving it an hourglass shape. The fruit is small, about 2 inches (4–5 cm) wide, green, and famously bumpy. When mature, it turns yellow and emits a powerful citrus aroma. The rind is rich in essential oils, while the juice is sparse, acidic, and bitter. Though the fruit is seldom eaten fresh, the kaffir lime leaf is a staple aromatic in Southeast Asian dishes.
The Kaffir lime belongs to the citrus family Rutaceae, which includes other popular citrus fruits such as grapefruit, orange, lemon, pomelo, clementine, mandarin, tangerine, kumquat, Key lime, calamansi, and Persian lime.
The Kaffir lime is native to tropical Southeast Asia, particularly regions like Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, and the Philippines. It has been cultivated in South and Southeast Asia for centuries and is now widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions, including Hawaii and southern Florida.
The kaffir lime tree is a dense, shrubby plant, growing up to 25 feet (7.5 meters) in ideal tropical conditions but usually remains much smaller when cultivated. It has a crooked trunk, dense branching, and thorny stems. It flowers intermittently, producing small, white, fragrant blooms.
Standard trees reach 6–15 feet (1.8–4.5 meters) tall and 5–10 feet (1.5–3 meters) wide. Dwarf varieties grow just 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters), making them suitable for indoor containers or small garden spaces.
The Kaffir lime produces white to pink-tinged flowers, each 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.5–0.7 cm) in diameter, with four to five fragrant petals. These star-shaped blossoms appear in axillary clusters and attract pollinators.
The tree may bloom year-round in tropical climates but most abundantly in spring and summer. Flowering can also occur multiple times in a year under optimal conditions.
The fruit has a warty, knobby texture and thick green rind, turning yellow as it ripens. Though not juicy, the zest is highly aromatic and used in pastes and perfumes.
Distinctive “double” leaves formed by the leaf blade and its winged petiole, giving an hourglass or figure-8 shape. Glossy, dark green, and highly aromatic.
USDA Zones 10–12. The kaffir lime plant is not frost-tolerant and suffers below 40°F (4°C). Grow in containers indoors or provide winter protection in cooler regions.
No known toxicity to pets or humans when used in typical culinary quantities. However, citrus oils may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Kaffir lime leaves are the defining feature of this plant in culinary contexts. Their bold, floral-citrus fragrance enhances soups, curries, and sauces. They can be used whole, sliced, or shredded. The leaves are often torn or bruised before cooking to release their oils and removed before serving, similar to bay leaves.
Fresh leaves freeze well and are superior in flavor compared to dried. They can also be stored ground or shredded in airtight containers.
No substitute fully replicates kaffir lime leaves, but these options can stand in when unavailable.
The fruit is not widely consumed, but its rind and leaves offer some nutritional and aromatic benefits. The rind is high in essential oils such as citronellal, limonene, and beta-pinene, contributing to its use in aromatherapy and traditional medicine. The juice is acidic and contains vitamin C but is used sparingly due to its bitterness.
Kaffir lime leaves are low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of folates, vitamin A, carotenes, B-complex vitamins (thiamin, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, riboflavin), and minerals like calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium.
Both the leaves and rind contain antioxidants and have reported anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protecting activities.
The rind and leaves are used in traditional medicine for digestive health, oral hygiene, and as a topical insecticide. The juice is sometimes used for skin and hair care, and as a natural cleanser.
The main essential oil in the leaves is citronellal (over 60%), while the rind contains more D-limonene and other monoterpenes.
Some sources report the fruit as having 70 calories per 100g, 1g fat, 7g carbohydrates, and 9g protein, but this data may not be as reliable or relevant since the fruit is rarely eaten fresh.
Benefit | How It Helps |
---|---|
Aromatherapy | Kaffir lime essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy to reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and to elevate mood and mental clarity. |
Skin Care | The essential oil and juice are used in skin care products for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, helping with acne, fungal infections, and promoting skin healing. |
Oral Health | Kaffir lime juice and leaves are traditionally used to promote gum health, freshen breath, and reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. Rubbing the leaves on gums or using the juice in oral care is a well-known practice in Southeast Asia. |
Hair Care | Kaffir lime is used in traditional remedies to combat lice, dandruff, and itchy scalp, and to promote healthy hair and scalp condition. |
Digestive Aid | Kaffir lime (juice, rind, or fermented concoctions) is used in traditional medicine to relieve bloating, indigestion, and constipation. |
Immune Support | High in vitamin C and antioxidants, kaffir lime boosts immune function and helps protect against infections. |
Anti-inflammatory | The essential oils have anti-inflammatory effects, useful for pain relief and reducing swelling. |
Insect Repellent | The strong scent and essential oils are used as a natural insect repellent. |
Cardiovascular Health | Some sources note potential benefits for heart health due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. |
Kaffir lime trees need full sun—at least 6–8 hours daily—for optimal leaf production and fruiting. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.
They prefer well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5). Enhance poor soils with compost and coarse sand.
Water regularly, but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, which may lead to root rot. In-ground trees typically need watering every 1–2 weeks, more often in hot weather, less in winter. Container trees may need more frequent watering, but must have excellent drainage
Apply a citrus-specific fertilizer rich in micronutrients every 6–8 weeks from spring through fall. Reduce feeding in winter.
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and improve airflow. Always use sterilized shears and wear gloves to avoid thorns. Pruning also encourages bushier growth and better leaf production
Dwarf varieties thrive in large pots with good drainage. Bring indoors during cold weather and ensure they receive enough sunlight and humidity. Use a humidifier or mist regularly.
Leaves:
Kaffir lime leaves can be harvested year-round as needed. For best flavor, pick mature leaves that are fully expanded, dark green, and glossy. Avoid removing too many leaves at once—select those that naturally need pruning to maintain the plant’s health.
Fruit:
Kaffir limes are generally harvested when they are green and aromatic. In tropical climates, fruiting can occur year-round, while in cooler regions, fruits are typically ready from late summer to early fall—about 6 to 9 months after flowering. Once the fruit turns yellow, it is considered overripe and less suitable for culinary use.
Leaves: Store fresh leaves in a sealed container or bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For long-term storage, freeze the leaves in airtight bags or containers—they retain their flavor well when frozen.
Fruit: Fresh fruit can be kept at room temperature for 2–4 weeks or refrigerated for 1–2 months. Zest may be removed and frozen for up to a year for extended culinary use.
Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
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Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Lime, Kaffir Lime |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Spread | 5' - 10' (150cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
Hardiness |
10 - 12 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Lime, Kaffir Lime |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 6' - 15' (180cm - 4.6m) |
Spread | 5' - 10' (150cm - 3m) |
Maintenance | Average |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden |
How many Citrus hystrix (Kaffir Lime) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Citrus hystrix (Kaffir Lime) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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