Key Limes on Guam

There are two types of citrus commonly grown on Guam -- the wonderful and versatile Calamansi and "local lemons" -- which I am guessing are really Seville oranges. One of my personal missions for our time here is to introduce Key Limes. 

Key Limes grow well in rocky soil (perfect for Guam) and the tropical climate is designed for limes (zippo chance of frost -- night-time lows in the 70's year-round). AND they are one of the few citrus varieties which are "true-type." That is, you can get a good fruit-bearing tree from seed (as opposed to grafted varieties).

The three-foot seedling in the picture is one that I planted at Pacific Islands Bible College. It is a little less than two years old. Generally, Key Limes propagated from seed tend to have fewer virus issues but they will not fruit until the 6th or 7th year. They'll be worth the wait. Key Limes can be used in so many ways!

Key Limes (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) are also known as Mexican Limes, West Indies Limes, or Bartender's Limes. They're smaller than Persian Limes -- about the size of a ping-pong ball -- perhaps slightly smaller. They have a distinct aroma and the juice is used in cooking -- and of course my favorite -- Key Lime pie.