Tilia x europaea — Common Lime

An overabundant 17th century hybrid of Small-leaved and Broad-leaved Limes.

Typically a very tall, quite narrow tree. The leaves are lime-green when fresh, but often become almost black as the shiny aphid honeydew which bespatters them encourages the growth of sooty moulds. The leaf undersides have buff coloured tufts under the vein-joints. Leaf size is extremely variable, sprouts often carrying particularly large leaves. The buds have two scales, fringed with hairs. The hanging flowers give rise to slightly ribbed, downy fruit.

For similar trees see: Limes

 
 

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Copyright © 2007 Philip Brassett