47.214.193.24: Wikifruit: independently reviewed article maintenance

2026-09-30T19:20:01Z

Wikifruit: independently reviewed article maintenance

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{| class="wikitable" style="float: right; width: 320px; margin-left: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 1em;"
! colspan="2" style="background: #e8e8e8;" | Limeberry (''Triphasia trifolia'')
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center;" | [[File:Triphasia trifolia flower.jpg|300px|Flower of Triphasia trifolia (limeberry)]]
|-
! Scientific name
| ''Triphasia trifolia'' [[#cite_note-1|[1]]]
|-
! Common names
| Limeberry, lime berry, sweet lime and limoncitong kastila [[#cite_note-2|[2]]]
|-
! Genus
| [[Triphasia]]
|-
! Family
| [[Rutaceae]] [[#cite_note-2|[2]]]
|-
! Order
| [[Sapindales]] [[#cite_note-2|[2]]]
|-
! Growth form
| Spiny evergreen shrub, commonly described as reaching about 3 m. [[#cite_note-2|[2]]]
|-
! Fruit
| Red, fleshy fruit about 10–15 mm across, with juicy, aromatic flesh. [[#cite_note-2|[2]]]
|-
! Propagation
| Ripe seed sown in a warm greenhouse; young plants need frost protection. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]
|}

''Triphasia trifolia'' is a spiny evergreen shrub cultivated for its small red fruit. It is also known as limeberry, lime berry, sweet lime and limoncitong kastila. [[#cite_note-1|[1]]][[#cite_note-2|[2]]]

== Description ==

The plant has glossy trifoliate leaves, white flowers and spines. Descriptions place mature shrubs at about 3 m, although size varies with climate, pruning and growing conditions. The fruit is a red, fleshy hesperidium approximately 10–15 mm across. [[#cite_note-2|[2]]]

== Cultivation ==

=== Soil and water ===

Begin with a well-drained, moderately heavy loam amended with compost; sand can be used to improve the soil mix. A pH of 5–6 is given as a horticultural starting point. Keep the root zone from becoming waterlogged, and be especially cautious with cold-season wetness in climates where winter soil stays cool. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

=== Sun and humidity ===

Provide a sunny position. In cool climates, shelter and protected culture are more realistic than exposing the plant to winter cold; most British reports require greenhouse protection. The sunny-site recommendation is species-specific, while the need to moderate exposure and humidity for a particular greenhouse or container setup depends on local conditions. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

=== Seasonal changes ===

As an evergreen shrub, it does not have a documented seasonal dormancy cycle to schedule around. Keep drainage effective during cool or wet periods and protect young plants from frost. In a warm tropical climate, active growth and fruiting should be managed around the local wet and dry seasons rather than around a cold-winter calendar. [[#cite_note-2|[2]]][[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

== Propagation ==

Sow ripe seed in a warm greenhouse, then prick seedlings out into pots as they develop. Keep young plants protected from frost. Use these steps as a starting point rather than a guaranteed germination schedule or fixed seed-storage life. [[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

== Flowering, fruiting, and harvest ==

The flowers are white and hermaphroditic. The red fruit is usually described as about 10–15 mm across and fleshy; harvest when it is fully coloured and ripe rather than relying on a calendar date. Bearing age, yield and harvest timing can vary with the individual plant and climate. [[#cite_note-2|[2]]][[#cite_note-3|[3]]]

== Fruit and uses ==

Ripe fruit is described as sweet, aromatic, juicy and somewhat mucilaginous, with a slightly sweet-lime flavour. It is eaten raw or cooked and is also used for pickles and jam. Culinary use does not by itself establish food safety, and medicinal claims are omitted. [[#cite_note-2|[2]]]

== References ==

* [[#cite_ref-1|↑]] '''[1]''' [https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:258565-2 ''Triphasia trifolia'' | Plants of the World Online]. Accessed 2026-09-30.

* [[#cite_ref-2|↑]] '''[2]''' [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triphasia_trifolia ''Triphasia trifolia'']. Accessed 2026-09-30.

* [[#cite_ref-3|↑]] '''[3]''' [https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Triphasia+trifolia ''Triphasia trifolia'' Lime Berry PFAF Plant Database]. Accessed 2026-09-30.

== Image credits ==

File:Triphasia trifolia flower.jpg — Axelander~commonswiki, Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0). [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Triphasia_trifolia_flower.jpg Individual file page].

[[Category:Triphasia]]
[[Category:Fruit-bearing plants]]

Triphasia trifolia - Revision history

47.214.193.24: Wikifruit: independently reviewed article maintenance