How Do You Tell the Difference Between a Lemon and a Lime Tree?
Lemon and lime trees grow in the same regions and are difficult to distinguish from one another unless they are bearing ripe fruit. Careful observation, however, will reveal the subtle differences between the two. Does this Spark an idea?
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Size
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Lime trees (C. aurantifolia) are smaller than lemon trees (C. limon). While lime trees are considered small shrubs that reach a height of 13 feet, lemon trees will grow to be 20 feet tall.
Leaves
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The leaves of a lime tree are dark green, oval in shape and 3-1/2 to 5 inches long. Lemon tree leaves, which are oblong, elliptic or long-ovate in shape, are not as round as lime tree leaves. They are dark green on top and light green below, and they grow to be 2-1/2 to 4-1/2 inches long.
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Flowers
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Lime trees have white flowers approximately 1 inch in diameter with five petals. Lemon tree flowers have four to five petals, but they are slightly smaller than lime tree flowers, measuring approximately 3/4-inch in diameter.
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References
- Purdue University: Lemon; Julia F. Morton; 1987
- Aggie Horticulture: Home Fruit Production-Lemons; Julian W. Sauls; December 1998
- Aggie Horticulture: Home Fruit Production-Limes; Julian W. Sauls; December 1998
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Growing 'Tahiti' Limes in the Home Landscape; Jonathan H. Crane, et al.
- Purdue University: Lime-Leaf; Rosie Lerner; 2000
- Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry: Harley I. Manner, et al; April 2006
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
