Family: Rutaceae
Citrus × aurantiifolia, commonly known as lime, is a small evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, though it has been widely cultivated around the world for centuries. The tree typically grows 3–5 meters tall and features glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers. Its fruit is small, round to oval, and bright green when unripe, turning yellowish as it matures. Limes are prized for their tart, acidic juice, which is used in cooking, beverages, and traditional medicine. The tree is also grown ornamentally in gardens for its attractive foliage and fragrant blossoms.
While lime trees are valued for their fruit and ornamental qualities, they can face some risks in Hawaii. They are susceptible to pests such as citrus leaf miners, scale insects, and certain fungal diseases, which can affect both fruit yield and tree health. Additionally, because lime is widely cultivated, it can occasionally escape into unmanaged areas, though it is not considered aggressively invasive. Careful management and monitoring can help minimize these risks and maintain healthy trees.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized in West Indies, Puerto Rico, Florida Keys.
- Spiny – can deter grazing/handling.
- Host for pests/pathogens (e.g., citrus canker).
- Soil tolerant – grows in poor/wide-range soils.
- Viable seeds produced.
- Hybridizes naturally with other citrus species.
- Self-compatible – can self-pollinate.
- Human-dispersed – cultivated & transported intentionally.
- Fire/cultivation resilient – sprouts after damage.
Low Risk Traits:
- Not weedy – no evidence of weediness.
- Non-allelopathic & non-parasitic.
- Not toxic to animals or generally to humans.
- No fire hazard – not fire-promoting.
- Shade intolerant – needs high light.
- Limited dispersal – not wind/water/bird dispersed.
- Low seed output – not prolific.
- No persistent seed bank.
