Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Rutaceae family, native to Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia). It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 2 m (6.6 ft) apart.
Plan Kaffir lime in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Kaffir lime at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2 m (6.6 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, zest, rind |
| Native to | Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Kaffir lime toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves, peel, essential oils
Citrus oils in peel and leaves can cause vomiting and depression in cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Kaffir lime
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- Citrus greening (HLB): Spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, which also breeds on curry leaf (Murraya). Evidence B
- Xylella fastidiosa: Insect-spread bacterium (EU quarantine pest) hitting olive, lavender, rosemary, oleander, Prunus and citrus. Evidence B
See Kaffir lime in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Gardens by the Bay (2 plants)
Questions about Kaffir lime
- How far apart should I plant Kaffir lime?
- About 2 m (6.6 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft).
- Does Kaffir lime need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Kaffir lime need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Kaffir lime?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Kaffir lime flower?
- From about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Kaffir lime poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Citrus oils in peel and leaves can cause vomiting and depression in cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Kaffir lime?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Kaffir lime. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Thorny, frost-tender citrus grown mainly for its double (hourglass) leaves. Protect below 0 C. Pet values follow the ASPCA citrus listing.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia
- Grapefruit Citrus x paradisi