Citrus aurantiifolia is a shrubby tree, to 5 m (16 ft), with many thorns. Dwarf varieties exist that can be grown indoors during winter months and in colder climates. Its trunk, which rarely grows straight, has many branches, and they often originate quite far down on the trunk. The leaves are ovate, 2.5-9 cm (0.98-3.54 in) long, resembling orange leaves (the scientific name aurantiifolia refers to this resemblance to the leaves of the orange, Citrus aurantium). The flowers are 2.5 cm (0.98 in) in diameter, are yellowish white with a light purple tinge on the margins. Flowers and fruit appear throughout the year, but are most abundant from May to September in the Northern Hemisphere. Flowers of the Key lime plant There are various approaches to the cultivation of Key limes. This variety of citrus can be propagated from seed and will grow true to the parent. If the plants are propagated from seed, the seeds should be stored at least 5-6 months before planting. Alternatively, vegetative propagation from cuttings or by air layering may permit fruit production within one year, and from genetically more predictable lines of plants. Or digging around a mature tree to sever roots will encourage new sprouts that can be transplanted to another location. Clones are often bud grafted into rough lemon or sour orange to obtain strong root stocks (see also fruit tree propagation).

• Latin name Citrus aurantiifolia
• various approaches to the cultivation of Key limes
• plants are propagated from seed
• 50 fresh seeds
• ships to worldwide

Latin name Citrus aurantiifolia