Dwarf Persian (Bearss) Lime Tree (Height: 18 - 26 IN Shape: Bushy)
The Dwarf Persian Lime Tree (Citrus latifolia) also called the dwarf Bearss lime tree, dwarf Tahiti Lime tree, or simply the seedless lime tree, is an evergreen citrus tree of obscure origin. It is believed to be of hybrid origin between a Mexican Key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) and citron (Citrus medica) and the variety is known only in cultivation. Botanists believe that the dwarf Persian Bearss lime tree hybrid is from Iran (once called Persia thus its name) and introduced to the Mediterranean region. It was then carried by Portuguese merchants to Brazil and eventually made its way to Florida, United States in 1883. The fruit was grown in Lake Placid as early as 1897. After World War I, Persian Lime production became an established industry and was further augmented by the development of limeade concentrate. The dwarf Persian lime tree is virtually thornless. It does well planted in the ground in USDA growing zones 8 to 11 and grows up to 6’ to 10’ in height. For all other zones it makes a great specimen plant to be potted and placed in a patio or near a sunny window indoors. This dwarf lime tree is a moderately vigorous tree with rounded, somewhat droopy yet spreading branches and handsomely dense green foliage. The leaves are medium in size, broadly lanceolate and have winged petioles. Dwarf Bearss Lime trees produce beautiful and fragrant, medium-sized white with purple tinted flowers that are in full bloom in spring. Once pollinated, these blooms give way to green Persian limes that mature in fall. Persian limes are medium-small sized fruits that are typically rounded and have thin, smooth rind that is adherent to the flesh. The greenish-yellow flesh is juicy, tender and very acidic with true lime taste.