Zanthoxylum fagara


Zanthoxylum fagara or wild lime, is a species of flowering plant that—despite its name—is not part of the genus Citrus with real limes and other fruit, but is a close cousin in the larger citrus family, Rutaceae. It is native to southern Florida and Texas in the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America as far south as Paraguay. Common names include: lime prickly-ash, wild lime, colima, uña de gato, and corriosa.

Description

Zanthoxylum fagara is a spreading shrub or small tree growing to tall. Its trunk is generally rough with gray bark and grows to about in diameter. The irregularly-shaped branches contain hooked spines with pinnate leaves. The leaves and bark can be crushed to make a bitter-tasting condiment, and much of the tree smells similar to citrus. Lime prickly-ash has a high drought tolerance and grows best in full sun, but it can also survive as an understory shrub. It provides significant food and cover for native wildlife and the leaves host the larvae of many butterflies, such as the giant swallowtail.

Uses

The powdered bark and leaves have been used as a spice, with an odor similar to that of limes.