Common Names: Spanish Lime, Mamoncillo, Quenepa, Genip
Spanish lime is a sub-tropical and tropical tree that is a cousin of the lychee, not a true lime. It grows well in Perth because it loves our heat and does not mind a bit of dry weather once it is settled. The fruit has a thin green shell you can crack open with your teeth to find a sweet and tangy orange pulp inside. It is like a natural lolly that is great for summer snacking.
Features:
Ideal prune height range: 2-4m
pH growing conditions: 5.5 to 8.5
Shade or full sun: Full sun after 4th year (needs heat to fruit)
Minimum pot year 5: 90L pot
Time to fruit age: 8-10 years from seed
Spanish lime trees are very tough and look beautiful with their thick green leaves. Reminds me of icecream Bean foliage.
They grow slowly, which makes them easy to manage in a backyard. In Perth, they need a sunny spot away from cold winter winds. You usually need two trees (a boy and a girl) to get fruit, but very few are self fertile. They love a good drink in summer but hate having wet feet in winter, so make sure your soil drains well.
Interesting Notes:
The fruit is a superfood that is full of iron and fibre. If you are feeling adventurous, you can roast the big seeds and eat them just like chestnuts. In some places, the leaves are even used to keep bats and bugs away from the house.
Spanish lime is a great choice if you want a rare shade tree that gives you a unique harvest every summer.
Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.
Keywords: Spanish lime, Mamoncillo, rare fruit tree Perth, tropical fruit tree, drought tolerant fruit