lime berry seeds

What Is A Limeberry And Are Limeberries Edible?

Limeberry is considered a weed in some locations and valued for its fruit in others. What is a limeberry? Read on to find out more about limeberry plant information and about growing limeberry fruit.

What is a Limeberry?

Native to tropical southeastern Asia, limeberry (Triphasia trifolia) is an evergreen shrub that is closely related to citrus. Like most citrus, the branches are littered with thorns. The plant’s blossoms are hermaphroditic, fragrant, and white in color with three petals. The resulting fruit is bright red, containing 2-3 tiny seeds. The shrub can grow to a height of about 9 feet.

Limeberry information tell us that it is sometimes spelled as two words (lime berry) and may also be referred to as Limau Kiah or Lemondichina. It has become naturalized on several islands of the tropical Pacific Ocean where it is commonly cultivated for its fruit. It has a less desirable reputation in several Indian Ocean archipelagos and along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas where it is viewed as more of an invasive species.

Are Limeberries Edible?

Since the plant is cultivated for its fruit, are limeberries edible? Yes, limeberries are edible and, in fact, quite delicious – reminiscent of sweet lime with a pulpy flesh not unlike that of citrus. The fruit is used to make preserves and is also steeped to make an aromatic sweet tea. The leaves are also of use and are utilized in the making of cosmetics and swirled into baths.

Limeberry Propagation

Interested in growing limeberry? Limeberry propagation is accomplished via seeds, which can be obtained through reputable internet nurseries. Limeberry plants make excellent bonsai plants or almost impenetrable hedges, as well as specimen plants.

Limeberry can be grown in USDA zones 9b-11 or grown in a greenhouse. That said, information on the hardiness of limeberry is disputed, with some sources stating that upon maturity limeberry will survive frosty temperatures and others avowing the plants are far less hardy than citrus and must be greenhouse grown.

Limeberry seeds have a short viable life, so they should be planted immediately. The plant prefers partial to full sun in moist to dry soil. Sow seeds in an area that has been generously amended with compost. Again, like citrus, it doesn’t like wet feet, so be sure the soil is well-draining.

Small, red colored, berry like fruit, with acidic, lime flavored flesh.

Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Limeberry. Please visit our seed store to view current selections. Seeds were last available in October 2018.

Description

Small tree or shrub to 15-20ft. Trees often have a shrubby, bush-like growth habit. Flowers and fruits may be born through much of the year, with concentrations during summer months.

Hardiness

The limeberry is fairly hardy and can survive frosty temperatures.

Growing Environment

Grow in full sun to part shade. Water regularly. Protect from long frosts or hard freezes.

Propagation

Eaten raw. Used in beverages.

Native Range

Native to Java, Indonesia.

Related Species

Rutaceae
Aegle marmelos Bael Fruit	Balsamocitrus dawei Uganda Powder Flask
Casimiroa edulis White Sapote	Casimiroa tetrameria Wooly Leaved Sapote
Citrus articulata West African Cherry Orange	Citrus aurantifolia Key Lime
Citrus aurantium ssp bergamia Bergamot	Citrus australis Australian Round Lime
Citrus garrowayi Mount White Lime	Citrus hystrix Kaffir Lime
Citrus inodora Russel River Lime	Citrus junos Yuzu
Citrus limon ‘Ponderosa’ Ponderosa Lemon	Citrus maxima Pummelo
Citrus medica var. Etrog Etrog Citron	Citrus mitis Calamondin
Citrus paradisi x Citrus reticulata Ugli Fruit	Citrus sinensis Moro Blood Orange
Citrus sudachi Sudachi	Citrus x Meyeri Meyer Lemon
Clausena excavata Pink Wampee	Clausena lansium Wampee
Cneoridium dumosum Coast Spice Bush	Feronia limonia Wood Apple
Glycosmis pentaphylla Orangeberry	Melicope ternata Wharangi
Microcitrus australasica Australian Finger Lime	Murraya koenegii Curry Leaf
Murraya paniculata Orange Jessamine	Poncirus trifoliata Trifoliate Orange
Triphasia trifolia Limeberry