Difference Between Orange and Lime Trees

Limes, like oranges, are both citrus fruits.

Both oranges and limes are citrus fruits that grow on trees. In many ways, these trees and the fruit they produce are very similar, but anyone who has eaten both an orange and lime know they are significantly different. And taste is not the only difference between limes and oranges and the trees that grow them. From color to history, lime trees and orange trees have several key differences.

Fruit

The most obvious difference between orange and lime trees is the type of fruit they produce. The orange tree produces an orange-colored fruit with a taste that ranges from sour to sweet (depending on the specific type of orange tree). The lime tree produces a green fruit with a sour and acidic taste. While several different types of trees exist, orange and lime trees are differentiated most easily by the type of fruit they bear.

Tree Appearance

Orange trees and lime trees are very similar in appearance. The leaves of the trees appear the same and both trees grow fragrant white flowers. Also, the bark of orange and lime trees tend to look alike. Orange trees are a little taller than lime trees, however. Orange trees tend to grow to around 25 feet tall, while lime trees are shrubby plants that generally only grow up to 13 feet tall.

History

Oranges originated somewhere in Southeast Asia, although the exact origins are unknown. The earliest oranges are thought to have been sour, but somewhere along the line (perhaps in China), sweet oranges were cultivated. Oranges found their way to Europe sometime around the 15th century, and from there they spread to the rest of the world. The key lime (often called the Mexican lime) originated in Southeast Asia as well. Traders took limes through the Middle East and North Africa, and from there, limes made their way to Europe and, like the orange, the rest of the world.

Fruit Usages

Both oranges and limes are consumed straight off the tree, although oranges are far more popular in this role. Both types of fruit are used for flavorings in juices and other types of foods, each yielding different and distinct results. Jams and jellies using oranges and limes are also common. Lime juice is used often in alcoholic drinks throughout the world.

References

• Purdue: Orange
• Purdue: Mexican Lime
• TreeHelp.com: Lime Trees
• TreeHelp.com: Orange Trees