Triphasia trifolia
| Limeberry (Triphasia trifolia) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific name | Triphasia trifolia [1] |
| Common names | Limeberry, lime berry, sweet lime and limoncitong kastila [2] |
| Genus | Triphasia |
| Family | Rutaceae [2] |
| Order | Sapindales [2] |
| Growth form | Spiny evergreen shrub, commonly described as reaching about 3 m. [2] |
| Fruit | Red, fleshy fruit about 10–15 mm across, with juicy, aromatic flesh. [2] |
| Propagation | Ripe seed sown in a warm greenhouse; young plants need frost protection. [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. [1][2]
Description[edit | edit source]
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. [2]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
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. [3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
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. [3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
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. [2][3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
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. [3]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
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. [2][3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
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. [2]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [1] Triphasia trifolia | Plants of the World Online. Accessed 2026-09-30.
- ↑ [2] Triphasia trifolia. Accessed 2026-09-30.
- ↑ [3] Triphasia trifolia Lime Berry PFAF Plant Database. Accessed 2026-09-30.
Image credits[edit | edit source]
File:Triphasia trifolia flower.jpg — Axelander~commonswiki, Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0). Individual file page.
