Kaffir birdlime , scientifically known asCitrus hystrix , belongs to the Rutaceae family , which let in all citrus plants like oranges , lemons , and grapefruits . The genusCitrusencompasses a full range of fruit - carry Tree and shrubs , andhystrix — from the Greek for “ hedgehog”—refers to its prickly nature and bumpy fruit skin . aboriginal to Southeast Asia , it ’s also call makrut lime tree , Thai lime , or Mauritius papeda , with “ kaffir ” gain from an Arabic terminal figure for non - believers , though its usage is progressively keep off due to ethnical sensitivities . It ’s tight relate to other citrus fruit likeCitrus aurantifolia(key linden tree ) but distinguished by its unique farewell and fruit .
Kaffir calcined lime ’s origins trace back to Southeast Asia , particularly Indonesia , Malaysia , and Thailand , where it has been cultivate for centuries in tropical regions . While accurate domestication escort are unclear , it ’s believed to have been used long before write phonograph record , likely spreading from wild population in the Indo - Malayan archipelago . It gained excrescence in Thai , Lao , and Indonesian cuisine by the medieval menstruum , valued for its aromatic leafage more than its fruit . European explorers play it during spicery trade jaunt in the 16th-17th centuries , with botanical verbal description emerging in the eighteenth hundred by figures like Georg Eberhard Rumphius . Its global spread began in the 19th century via compound business deal , though it stay a niche citrus outside Asia .
Kaffir calcined lime is a small , evergreen plant tree grow 2 - 6 meters marvelous , with coloured greenish , glossy , twofold - lob leaves that are its most prized feature article — shaped like an hourglass with two segments . The fruit is small ( 4 - 6 cm encompassing ) , round to pear - mould , with a thick , wrinkle , dark immature rind that move around xanthous when overripe . Its juicy flesh is minimal , pale green , and filled with germ , making it less eatable than other citrus . The folio exude a virile , citrusy scent with floral and herbaceous notes , widely used in cooking . The fruit ’s taste is intensely dark and bitter , with short juice and a sharp , quicklime - like tang , often used for tanginess or rind rather than flesh . Both leaves and rind bear essential oil , adding a distinctive flavor to dishes .
Citrus hystrixthrives in tropic and semitropical climate , best befit to USDA zones 9 - 11 , where temperatures rarely drop down below 40 ° F ( 4 ° C ) . It requires tender conditions ( 70 - 95 ° F or 21 - 35 ° C ) and high-pitched humidity for optimal development , intolerant of frost , which can damage leave and fruit . In geographical zone 8b-9 , it can be grow with protection ( e.g. , indoors in winter or under top during dusty snap ) , but fruiting may be reduced . It prefers full sun ( 6 - 8 hr day by day ) and well - drain , more or less acidic soil ( pH 5.5 - 6.5 ) . In its aboriginal image , it ’s a backyard staple , but outside Southeast Asia , it ’s often naturalise in deal for mobility in cool climates .
