Herb: Lime Berry


Latin name: Triphasia trifolia


Synonyms: Limonia trifolia, Triphasia aurantiola


Family: Rutaceae (Rue Family, Citrus Family)



Medicinal use of Lime Berry:

The leaves are applied to the body in the treatment of diarrhoea, colic and skin diseases.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
3 m
(9 3/4 foot)

Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

Arid ground.

Edible parts of Lime Berry:

Fruit - raw or cooked. Red and fleshy, the fully ripe fruit has an agreeable sweet taste. Aromatic, juicy and somewhat mucilaginous, the fruit can also be pickled or made into jams etc. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter.

Other uses of the herb:

The leaves are used as an aromatic bath. The leaves are used as cosmetics. A gum runs from the stem, though the report does not mention any uses for this gum.

Propagation of Lime Berry:

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a warm greenhouse as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. Otherwise sow the seed in early spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first two winters. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection from the cold for at least their first winter outdoors.

Cultivation of the herb:

Arid ground.

Known hazards of Triphasia trifolia:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.