300 



3. C Lima^ (the Lime.) Petioles with the alae narrow. 

 Leaves oval, obtuse, obscurely crenulate. Stamens 25. Fruit 

 subglobose; pulp acid, 



Syn, Lime de Naples. Limocello di NapolL Liinon Calaber. 

 Lime. 



This is a tree of shrubby growth ; occasionally attaining 

 from 15 to 20 feet in height. The principal branches rise 

 from the bottom of the stem. Branchlets compressed, gla- 

 brous, green. Leaves oval, not acuminate, obtuse, obscurely 

 crenulated towards the apex, with a minute tooth in each 

 indentation. Petiole alate^ with the wings narrow. Spines 

 axillary, in a direction between patent and horizontal, i^a- 

 ceme axillary. Peduncle about the length of the petiole, 

 generally 6-flowered. Bractece at the base of the pedicels, 

 minute. Calyx regularly 5-fid or 5-dentate. Petals 5, sub- 

 ^qual, linear-lanceolate, white. Stamens 25, rarely ap- 

 proaching 30, the short stamens being for the most part 

 wanting. Fruit sub-globose. 



One of the principal uses to which this tree is applied, is 

 the formation of hedgerows, for which few plants are better 

 adapted, whether we regard beauty or utility. The fruit of 

 it is used for the same purposes as the Lemon. The 

 acid, however, is more abundant, and purer, the juice con- 

 taining but a slight proportion of vegetable matter. The 

 plant itself appears to have been known at an earlier period 

 than any of the other species, with the exception of the Citron. 

 Thus, according to Theophrastus, it was with difficulty that 

 Harpalus could bring the Lime and Box-tree to grow at 

 Babylon. 



It is mentioned by some writers, that the fruit of the Lime 

 de Naples is without seed. This is not the case in this country, 

 the seed being constantly present, and large, in proportion 

 to the size of the fruit. 



LimeUa, {Sweet Lime.) Petiole s'ub-alate 

 Stamens 30. Fruit globose, crowned m 

 on ; rind firm ; mice sweet. 



