Friday, December 5

    Limeberry facts

    Limeberry is a shrub which grows up to 3 meters in height. It was introduced to various tropical and subtropical regions and is cultivated for its fruit. It has got naturalized in many Pacific Islands.
    The leaves are used for various purposes. The edible fruits are full of flavor. The ripened fruit has a sweet taste and used to make jellies, jams and preserves. The fruit is used to make a sweet tea as well.

    Name Limeberry
    Scientific Name Triphasia trifolia
    Native It is believed to have originated from China or Southeast Asia.
    Common/English Name Lemon China, Lime Chinese, Limeberry, Trifoliate Limeberry, Lime Orange Berry, Triphasia, Trifoliate Limeberry, Triphasia Limeberry
    Name in Other Languages Chamorro: Limoncito;
    French: Orangine;
    India (Hindu): Chini Naranghi;
    Indonesia:
    Java: Jeruk Kingkit,
    Sundanese: Kingkip, Kaliyage;
    Malaysia: Limau Kikir;
    Philippines:
    Bikol: Sua-Sua,
    Iloko: Kalamansito,
    Negrito: Tagimunau,
    Spanish: Limonsito,
    Tagalog: Kamalitos;
    Spanish: Limoncito;
    Thailand: Manao Tet;
    Chamorro: limoncito;
    Samoan: vali atigi lima;
    Yapese: gurugur ni lym;
    Bahamas: chinese lemon;
    Dominican Republic: naranjita de pegar;
    Guam: lemonchina;
    Lesser Antilles: citronella;
    Puerto Rico: chinita
    Saint Lucia: sweet lime
    Samoa: vali atigi lima
    United States Virgin Islands: lime-berry
    Plant Growth Habit Spiny, erect, glabrous, evergreen, perennial shrub/small tree
    Plant Size Height: 1-3 (-7) m
    Leaf Trifoliate, glossy, dark green; Length: 2-4 cm; Broad: 1.5-2 cm
    Flowering Season Late Winter/Early Spring
    Buds Cylindrical, 10-12 X 3-4 mm
    Flower White, fragrant, cup shaped, fragrant, three petals, Length: 10-13 mm; Broad: 4 mm
    Fruit shape & size Ovoid, subglobose berry, fleshy, Across: 1.2-1.5 cm; Diameter: 10-15 mm
    Fruit color Dull reddish to orange or crimson
    Fruit peel Thick
    Flavor/aroma Reminiscent to sweet lime
    Fruit Taste Acid sweet
    Seed 1 to 3, flattened, Length: 1-3 mm long
    Traditional uses
    • Used to make aromatic bath salts.
    • Treats colic, diarrhea and skin diseases.
    • Used in cosmetics.
    • Used in traditional medicine.
    • Possess antibacterial and antifungal properties.
    •  Useful for sore throats and coughs.
    • Crushed leaves treats dandruff.
    • Aid for coughs.
    Precautions
    • Might get allergic reactions.
    • Consumed in moderate amounts.
    How to Eat
    • Consumed raw, candied or made preserves, marmalade, jams, pickles and beverages.
    • Fruits are cooked as well.