Species of medium-sized subtropical citrus tree, having elliptical oblong narrowly winged leaves and a small globose yellowish green fruit, native to Southeast Asia. It was introduced to the Middle East, North Africa, Sicily, and Spain. Limes were introduced to Europe about the 12th-13th century; Columbus took citrus fruit to the West Indies where they soon became widely distributed, including in the Florida Keys (hence its common name "key lime") and California. The fruit is usually picked green commercially, and is somewhat sweeter than other citrus fruits called "lime." Lime oil is normally prepared by steam distillation. It is used in flavoring, perfumes, and as an insecticide and antiseptic The fruit is used as flavoring agent and as a source of vitamin C.
