Citrus hystrix – Makrut Lime / Thai Lime with Aromatic Leaves – young specimens

Citrus hystrix, commonly known as Makrut lime, Thai lime, combava, leech lime, Mauritius papeda, or (in commerce) kaffir lime, is a tropical citrus plant native to Southeast Asia. It is cultivated primarily for its highly aromatic leaves, rather than just for its fruit.

The leaves are unmistakable: they have a “double” shape (the main leaf blade plus a broadened, hourglass-shaped petiole). The aroma is citrusy, fresh, and highly persistent. The flowers are white and fragrant. The fruits are green, with knobbly skin, acidic, and contain little juice; the peel and leaves are used primarily, while the flesh is used less often.

Key characteristics:

• Double, highly aromatic leaves (a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine)
• Green fruits with rough skin
• White, fragrant flowers
• Evergreen plant with thorns
• Remains a manageable size when grown in a pot

Easy care:

• Light: Full sun or very bright light. It can be kept outdoors in summer.
• Temperature: Tropical. It does not tolerate frost. Bring it indoors when temperatures drop below 8–10°C.
• Watering: Water regularly during the growing season. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid standing water.
• Humidity: Medium to high. Occasional misting is beneficial.
• Soil: Fertile, slightly acidic, and very well drained.

Recommended substrate:
→ Premium universal potting soil (Netherlands) - Secret Garden

Uses:

Both the peel and the fruit itself are aromatic and are used in various dishes as seasonings or in beverages.
Thanks to their remarkable aromatic and even medicinal properties, the leaves are frequently used in Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese cuisine, as well as in other parts of the world—fresh, dried, or frozen—in ice cream, lemonades, soups, salads, curry, tom yum, desserts, etc..

This is a patio / indoor plant, ideal for those passionate about Asian cuisine and beyond who are looking for authentic flavor.

Note: In Romania, it is grown in a pot and overwintered indoors in a bright, cool-to-warm location. The leaves can be harvested gradually without stripping the plant bare. It has thorns—handle with care.

A collectible culinary citrus plant, appreciated especially for its leaves with the unmistakable aroma of Makrut.

Height including pot: approx. 20 cm

Consult the complete citrus care guide on our blog.