Citrus macroptera, also known as Shatkora or hatkhora (Sylheti: ꠢꠣꠔꠇꠞꠣ, [ɦat̪xɔɾa]) cabuyao, Melanesian papeda, or wild orange, is a semi-wild species of citrus native to Sylhet region (South Asia), Malesia and Melanesia.Some authorities consider C. macroptera to be a taxonomic synonym of C. hystrix (kaffir lime), while others consider C. macroptera var. annamensis to be a synonym of C. hystrix, but not C. macroptera var. macroptera.
Kaffir lime is well resistant to disease and is usually not susceptible to illnesses. For care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. Outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger plants typically do not need pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Kaffir lime is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not require extensive gardening experience.
How to keep Citrus Macroptera.
Light
Kaffir lime grows best with plentiful sunlight and can tolerate moderate sun. Its native habitat consisted of areas with abundant light. For healthy development, ample sun is recommended. Too little light can inhibit growth, while too much may cause damage.
Temperature
The kaffir lime grows best within a temperature range of 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃), reflecting its native habitat. It flourishes in warm, humid conditions and is not tolerant of extreme cold or excessive heat. In winter, keep temperatures above 50 ℉ (10 ℃) to prevent leaf drop. In summer, provide shade and extra watering to ease heat stress.
Fertilizer
Use organic fertilizers (for example, fish emulsion or compost) instead of chemical fertilizers for Kaffir lime. Give young plants higher amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in spring. Work compost or fertilizer into the soil either before planting or after planting. For mature plants, apply a balanced fertilizer in spring or one formulated for specific nutrient deficiencies. Nutrient deficiency results in small leaves, short or stunted branches, yellowing or bronze leaves, sour fruits, premature fruit drop, and fruit splitting.
Pot & Repot
When repotting a Kaffir lime, choose a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball is slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Citrus
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 2.13 m to 10.97 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Fall
- Native Area
- Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, China
Other names.
