The Mexican lime tree is an evergreen that grows to a range of 7 to 13 feet tall, with spreading branches and shrubby arms. This variety grows vigorously with a fragrant scent rising from the leaves and fruit, the latter being juicy, acidic and flavorful. There are three main varieties within the Mexican lime family that differ in origin, appearance and flavor.
The everglade variety was introduced from Trinidad in the 1920s, and is a mixture of Mexican lime pollinated with grapefruit flowers. The light green limes grow in clusters, are cylindrical and up to 2 inches in diameter and height. The rind is thin and the inside pulp very juicy. There is usually a small amount of seeds, around five. This lime has tender texture. This variety is highly susceptible to withertip.
Palmetto Mexican lime trees originated from a Mexican lime pollinated by the Sicilian lemon tree. This lime is nearly perfectly round, with a diameter of 1 1/2 inches and a height of 1 3/4 inches. The fruit is pale-yellow when ripe with a thin rind and a greenish yellow pulp. On average, these limes have three to six seeds nestled in corners of the very juicy, aromatic pulp.
Yung, or spineless Mexican, is a variety that was introduced to California by Mexico during the late 1800s by George Yung. Although of unknown origin, this variety is an elliptical shape, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall, with a dark green thick rind and firm green pulp.