Quick facts
| Arabic name | الليمون |
|---|---|
| English name | Lemon and Lime (Laymoon) |
| Scientific name | Citrus limon / Citrus aurantiifolia |
| Family | Citrus family (Rutaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen fruit tree or shrub |
| Height | Usually 3 to 6 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to April
Harvest time
October to March
Limes can give fruit in most months of the yearJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A small tree, often with thorny twigs, shiny fragrant leaves, white scented flowers, and sour yellow or green fruits.
Where it grows
Grown in Najran, Al-Ahsa (Eastern Province), Madinah and Jazan.
Soil
Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Sensitive to high salt.
Water and irrigation
Regular water, without standing water.
Climate and light
Warm with full sun. Frost harms it.
Propagation
By grafting; some types also from cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- Juice for cooking and drinks
- Dried (loomi) for Gulf cooking
- Flowers attract bees
Drawbacks
- Uses a lot of water
- Thorny branches in many types
- Sensitive to salt, frost and citrus pests
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Citrus limon
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Citrus limon
- Wikipedia: Lemon
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)