Lime
Lime flowers and key
Petals, stamens, style and 5-lobed stigma
Stamens and anthers
Ovary, style, 5-lobed stigma
Leaves - upper side
White tufts of hairs on underside of leaves
Urban lime with boss
Tilia x europaea (Tilia cordata x T. platyphyllos)
Tiliaceae
Common Lime, Linden
June to July
It is found throughout the country.
See the BSBI distribution map for Lime
Although a hybrid, it is native in woods occasionally, but is
mostly planted. It is common in woodland, by roads and
in urban streets.
Lime is a tall tree (up to 46m) with a smooth trunk with bosses.
The flowers are in clusters of 4-10, hanging and creamy white.
There are 5 white petals, numerous stamens, which are longer
than the petals.
There is a slender white style with a 5-lobed stigma.
The ovary is 5-celled and initially hairy.
Fruits are approximately 8mm across, round to ovoid, with a
yellow-green lime key (wing).
Leaves are broadly oval to heart shaped, pointed and toothed.
The upper surface is dark green and the lower surface pale and
ribbed, with tufts of white hairs at the junction of the ribs.
Lime is very attractive to aphids, resulting in the production of
honey-dew which drips onto cars parked below.
It mainly spreads by suckers and planting, although some seeds
are fertile.
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Lime flowers and key
Petals, stamens, style and 5-lobed stigma
Stamens and anthers
Ovary, style, 5-lobed stigma
Leaves - upper side
White tufts of hairs on underside of leaves
Urban lime with boss
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