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 |
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| Precautions |
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| How to Eat |
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