Makrut lime with bumpy dark green fruit and glossy double-lobed hourglass-shaped leaves

Makrut Lime (formerly Kaffir Lime)

Citrus hystrix
Categories:
Citrus  ·  
Lemons & Limes
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Water deeply, then allow the upper 2–3 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Increase frequency during extreme summer heat; reduce in winter. Avoid soggy soil.
Size
6-12 ft tall × 6-10 ft wide
Habit
Rounded shrub
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets
Description
Makrut lime, also called kaffir lime, is a thorny citrus tree prized for its intensely aromatic, double-lobed leaves and bumpy green fruit. Leaves and rind are used in Southeast Asian cooking.
Bloom Time
Spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Edible, Fragrant
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate
Growth Habit
Rounded shrub
Mature Size
6-12 ft tall × 6-10 ft wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Dark green
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Edible / Orchard
Garden Style
Edible Garden
Soil
Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Avoid planting, Basil, Cool-season cilantro, Garlic chives
Toxic — Pets
Toxic to pets if ingested (citrus essential oils/psoralens)
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix, especially for young trees. Avoid intense reflected heat from west-facing walls and pavement.

Water: Water deeply, then allow the upper 2–3 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Increase frequency during extreme summer heat; reduce in winter. Avoid soggy soil.

Soil: Well-drained soil, ideally slightly acidic. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may require micronutrient management. For containers, use a freely draining citrus potting mix.

Mature size: Typically 10–15 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide in the ground; often maintained at 4–8 feet in containers through pruning.

Bloom: Usually blooms in spring; occasional additional flowering may occur in warm conditions.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen; may shed leaves after cold, drought, or other stress.

Growth rate: Moderate in warm weather with adequate water and nutrition; slower in containers or under stress.