A lime is a citrus fruit, which is typically round, green in color, 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in) in diameter, and contains acidic juice vesicles.
Limes, whole and in cross section
The fruit and flower of a Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia)
Makrut lime fruit
Zesting a lime
Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including crops such as oranges, mandarins, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and limes. The genus Citrus is native to South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and Australia. Various citrus species have been used and domesticated by indigenous cultures in these areas since ancient times. From there its cultivation spread into Micronesia and Polynesia by the Austronesian expansion ; and to the Middle East and the Mediterranean via the incense trade route, and onwards to Europe and the Americas.
Citrus
Slices of various citrus fruits
Lemons are a citrus fruit native to Asia, but now common worldwide.
Mediterranean Mandarin (Citrus ×deliciosa plantation, Son Carrió (Mallorca)