Citrus hystrix. The species name for the kaffir lime tree is Greek for porcupine and you'll find out why this plant is so named when you're careless in handling it. But oh, these amazing leaves. Kaffir lime leaves grow in a manner unique to the plant world. One leaf appears to grow from the tip of another. And when you crush them between your fingers, the released fragrant oils would make a stable smell like a spa. They're necessary ingredients in many Asian dishes. The dried kaffir lime leaf is a pathetic version of one picked off a plant growing in your kitchen window. Fruit from kaffir lime trees bears an alarming resemblance to those bumpy osage oranges that scare cows all over the Midwest, but it's smaller and a much darker green. Very frost sensitive, so bring indoors when temperatures dip into the 30s. Benefits from humid conditions, but not wet soil. Also enjoys a dash of epsom salts every month or so. Shipped in 4" x 6" pots, trees are about 14" tall and grown on dwarfing rootstock. TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK. |
