Makrut Lime (Citrus hystrix)

Makrut lime

Also known as kaffir lime, makrut lime (Citrus hystrix) is a citrus species native to Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The fragrant leaves are a key ingredient in Thai cuisines, such as tom yum soup and green curry. The rind is typically used in marinades, dressings and salads. Makrut lime is also popular in Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.

In addition to its widespread culinary use, makrut lime has been employed in traditional medicine to treat coughs, period pain, foot odour, wound healing, and skin and hair care. Makrut lime shows promise in the medical field for its antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer properties and antioxidant activity.

How does makrut lime get its citrus scent?

The leaves contain secretory cavities known as ‘schizogenous secretory cavities, leaf pellucid glands, or pellucid dots‘. These glandular cavities produce, store and release the essential oils responsible for the fresh lemony scent of makrut lime. Secretory cells produce volatile compounds, and the subcuticular space stores them. A cuticle surrounds the secretory cells to protect them and prevent essential oils from being released until they are damaged or disturbed.

The essential oil within the pellucid dots performs several functions, including defence against herbivory, protection against pathogenic organisms, insect repellent and attracting pollinators.

Pellucid dots are visible on citrus leaves in bright light. Here is a makrut lime leaf placed in front of a torch, which clearly shows the yellow pellucid dots.

Pellucid spots

Local names for makrut lime:

  • Thailand: Makrūd (มะกรูด)
  • Indonesia: Jeruk purut
  • India: Kaafir laim (काफ़िर लाइम)
  • Malay: Limau purut

Related: Sudachi citrus

Read more

How to Grow Citrus Trees in Containers

Growing citrus trees in pots

What varieties of citrus can be grown in pots?  Ι   Benefits of growing citrus in pots   Ι  How to grow citrus in pots  Ι   When do citrus trees flower and fruit?  Ι  Pests and diseases  Ι   How cold is too cold for citrus?  Ι   Fruit care  Ι   Multi-grafted citrus trees

Citrus trees add an attractive feature to decks and gardens. Their shiny evergreen leaves, scented flowers and fruit make an appealing feature to any patio, deck or balcony. A number of dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties are available, that are suitable for pots and small spaces. It is important to note that growing citrus in a pot will reduce the yield compared to growing it in the ground.

Read more

Peace Lily Care: Tips For a Healthy Plant

How to care for peace lily

At a glance

Family Araceae
Botanical name Spathiphyllum spp.
Common names Peace lily, White flag, Cupido peace lily, White peace lily, Espatifilo, Mauna Loa, Snowflower
Lifespan Perennial
Habitat Tropical rainforests
Growth habit Clumping
Mature height 30 – 120 cm
Flower colour
White, green
Leaf colour
Green, variegated
Native to Americas and Southeast Asia
Toxicity Toxic to cats and dogs
Soil Moisture-retaining
Humidity High
Propagation Division
Care level Easy

Read more

Boston Fern Care: Tips for a Lush and Healthy Plant

Boston fern care

At a glance   Ι  What is Boston fern?  Ι   How to care for Boston fern  Ι   Propagation  Ι   Repotting

At a glance

Family Lomariopsidaceae
Botanical name Nephrolepis exaltata ‘Bostoniensis
Common names Boston fern, Fishbone fern, Tuber ladder fern
Lifespan Perennial
Habitat Coniferous forests
Mature height 50 – 150 cm
Flower colour
Leaf colour
Green
Native to Americas
Toxicity Pet friendly
Soil Moisture-retaining
Humidity High
Propagation Division
Care level Easy

Read more

Is Mistletoe Fig Toxic to Dogs?

Is mistletoe fig toxic to dogs?

Mistletoe fig (Ficus deltoidea) is toxic to dogs. The toxic principles are ficin a proteolytic enzyme, and ficusin, a psoralen that causes oral and dermal irritation along with vomiting and diarrhea.

Read more

Yuzu (Citrus junos)

Yuzu tree

What is yuzu?

Yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka) is a citrus that is believed to have originated from the Hubei Province, along the Yangtze River in China. It is believed to be a natural hybrid of the Ichang papeda (Citrus cavaleriei), a small wild species of lemon, and the mandarin (Citrus reticulata). This fruit was introduced to Japan over 1,000 years ago during the Tang dynasty.

Yuzu is an essential ingredient in Japanese cuisine, particularly in the Kōchi Prefecture, where it is widely cultivated. The fruit’s unique aroma and tart flavour make it a versatile ingredient that is used in everything from marinades and dressings to desserts and beverages. Yuzu is also used in traditional Japanese medicine for its health benefits, which include reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms of colds and flu.

In recent years, yuzu has gained popularity around the world for its distinct flavour and fragrance. It has become a sought-after ingredient in high-end restaurants and cocktail bars. As a result, yuzu has become an important part of global culinary culture and is now cultivated in various regions outside of Japan.

Read more

Is Christmas Cactus Toxic to Dogs?

Is Christmas cactus toxic to dogs?

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is non-toxic to dogs and can be safely grown in homes with pets, with care.

Read more

Feeding and Caring For a Live or Cut Christmas Tree

Caring for a Christmas tree

A fresh Christmas tree is one of the highlights of decorating the home during the festive season. With so much time and money invested in purchasing and decorating a Christmas tree, it’s important to keep it as happy and healthy as possible so that it stays in tip top shape.

Fresh Christmas trees may be chopped down, or live in their pot, and the care is similar for both types of trees.

Read more

Buddha’s Hand Citrus (Citrus medica var. sarcodacylis)

Buddha's hand fruit

Buddha’s hand citron (Citrus medica var. sarcodacylis), also known as fingered citron or bushukan in Japanese, is a type of citrus fruit that is native to northern India. It is named for its unusual shape, which resembles a hand with elongated fingers. Buddha’s hand citron is typically yellow or pale green in colour, and has a thin, bumpy peel that is covered in small oil glands. The fruit is fragrant and has a sweet, floral aroma. The tree on which it grows can reach heights of up to 20 feet and has long spiky thorns. Buddha’s hand citron is not widely grown or consumed, but it is popular in some parts of Asia and is often given as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.

Read more

The Secret Life of Flowers: Why Do They Close at Night?

Why do some flowers close at night?

Why do some flowers close at night?

This is an evolutionary process known as nyctinasty, which originated from the Greek word Νύχτα, which means night. Nyctinasty refers to a type of movement (nyctin) that serves a number of functions.

  • To protect the delicate pollen and reproductive parts from moisture at night as is important that pollen remain dry so that it is easily transferred onto visiting insects as they feed during the day.
  • As most pollinating insects are active during the day, there is no benefit to keeping the flowers open.
  • The petals and in some cases bracts fold over and act as a protective blanket against the nighttime cold and against herbivorous insects.

Read more